These adorable Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatloaf! Perfectly portioned and baked in a muffin tin, these mini meatloaves are topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a comfort food dish that’s as cute as it is tasty. Whether served for family dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned – Individual servings make them great for kids and easy meal planning.
- Quick Cooking – Cooks faster than a traditional meatloaf.
- Fun & Unique – Looks like cupcakes but delivers savory comfort food flavor.
- Customizable – Use different meats, seasonings, or toppings for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Mini Meatloaf Muffins:
- Ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup or BBQ sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Mashed Potato Frosting:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- Butter
- Heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chopped chives (for garnish)
Directions
-
Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
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Make the Meatloaf Mixture – In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and seasoning until well combined.
-
Fill the Muffin Tin – Divide the meat mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing it down slightly.
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Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F/71°C).
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Prepare Mashed Potato Frosting – While the meatloaf bakes, boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Pipe or Spread the Frosting – Spoon the mashed potatoes into a piping bag (or use a spoon) and frost each mini meatloaf.
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Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chives, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of gravy. Serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 (makes about 12 mini meatloaves)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and cauliflower mash for frosting.
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Cheesy Center – Stuff each meatloaf with a cube of cheese before baking.
- BBQ Style – Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze unfrosted meatloaf muffins for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Try ground turkey, chicken, or a beef/pork mix for different flavors.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk in the mashed potatoes and skip the cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the meatloaf muffins and prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time, then assemble before serving.
Do I need a piping bag for the mashed potatoes?
No, you can spoon them on or use a plastic bag with the corner cut off.
How do I know when the meatloaf muffins are done?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes! Grated carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini add moisture and nutrition.
What side dishes go well with this?
A simple green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but homemade mashed potatoes have better flavor and texture.
Can I add a sauce on top?
Absolutely! Try gravy, extra ketchup, or a balsamic glaze.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! They reheat well and are perfect for packing in lunches.
Conclusion
Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun, delicious, and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food in individual portions. Perfect for families, parties, or meal prepping, this recipe is sure to be a favorite! Try them today for a creative twist on meatloaf night!
Print
Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (makes 12 mini meatloaves)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatloaf! Perfectly portioned, these savory meatloaf cupcakes bake faster than traditional meatloaf and are topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Mini Meatloaf Muffins:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup (or BBQ sauce)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Mashed Potato Frosting:
- 2 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Mix well.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Evenly divide the meat mixture into the muffin cups, pressing down slightly.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Frost the Meatloaf Muffins: Spoon mashed potatoes into a piping bag (or use a plastic bag with the corner cut off) and pipe onto each meatloaf muffin.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped chives, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of gravy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash.
- Spicy Option: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Cheese-Stuffed: Press a cube of cheese into each meatloaf before baking.
- BBQ Twist: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
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