Cute Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

Comfort food takes on a playful twist with these delightful mini meatloaf muffins topped with creamy mashed potato frosting.

Home cooks have long sought creative ways to reinvent classic dinner staples, and this recipe delivers a whimsical solution.

Small individual portions make serving a breeze, while the combination of savory meat and smooth potato creates an irresistible texture.

Each muffin-shaped meatloaf packs robust flavor and looks adorably appealing on the plate.

The crispy edges and soft center ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Tender ground meat nestled beneath a pillowy potato topping promises a meal that will delight both kids and adults at the dinner table.

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Why Meatloaf Muffins Are Fun for Dinner

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal twists to make this chicken salad uniquely yours, from choosing different nuts to trying alternative herbs.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fresh crunch from celery and grapes, and optional nuts for extra nutrients, this recipe delivers balanced wellness.
• Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile dish suitable for picnics, lunch gatherings, quick meals, or sophisticated brunch settings that appeals to various taste preferences.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Simple mixing technique transforms basic ingredients into a delightful meal with complex flavor profiles, requiring minimal cooking skills and kitchen equipment.

What’s Inside Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that forms the core of the meatloaf muffins.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and provides additional richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps keep the meatloaf moist.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Provides tangy and savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds aromatic and seasoning elements to boost overall flavor.
• Milk: Helps keep the meatloaf tender and moist.

• Potatoes: The base for the creamy mashed potato frosting.
• Butter, Milk, Salt, Pepper: Creates a smooth and flavorful mashed potato topping.
• Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish and additional flavor complexity.

Steps for Baking Meatloaf Muffins With Topping

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Ketchup
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Egg
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until the ingredients are best friends and well-integrated.

Step 3: Shape Savory Muffin Cups

Press the meat mixture firmly into each muffin cup, filling them right to the top.

Make sure they’re packed snugly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Let the meatloaf muffins cook for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when the tops turn a beautiful golden brown and the meat is fully cooked.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Potato Topping

While the meatloaves are baking, boil potatoes in salted water until they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Transform Potatoes Into Silky Frosting

• Milk
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mash until smooth and creamy like a cloud.

Step 7: Dress Up The Meatloaf Muffins

Let the meatloaf muffins cool slightly, then gently remove them from the tin. Pipe or spoon the mashed potato “frosting” on top of each muffin.

Step 8: Add The Finishing Touch

Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley over the muffins for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve and enjoy your culinary creation!

Notes for Tasty Mini Meatloaf Muffin Results

• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the meat's rich taste.
• Use warm milk and butter when mashing potatoes to create a smoother, creamier frosting that spreads easily.
• Press meatloaf mixture firmly into muffin cups to create uniform shapes that cook evenly and look more attractive.
• Substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor.

Mix-Ins for Meatloaf Muffin Fans

• Vegetarian Meatloaf Muffins: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of milk to maintain moisture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or quinoa flakes. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the meatloaf mixture. Top mashed potatoes with shredded pepper jack cheese and chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.

What to Serve With Meatloaf Muffins

• Pair Savory Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavor of the meatloaf muffins.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatloaf and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini to add extra nutrition and enhance the meal's overall texture and flavor profile.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a robust amber ale or brown ale that can stand up to the meat's intensity while providing a smooth, malty background note.

Keeping Meatloaf Muffins Fresh and Soft

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate meatloaf muffins and mashed potato frosting to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual meatloaf muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place meatloaf muffins on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Why use a muffin tin for meatloaf?

A muffin tin helps create individual portions that cook evenly and quickly, ensuring each mini meatloaf is perfectly cooked and easy to serve.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust seasoning and watch the moisture level to prevent dryness.

• How do I prevent the mashed potato frosting from being lumpy?

Boil potatoes until very tender, drain completely, and use a potato masher or ricer. Add warm milk gradually and mix until smooth and creamy.

Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting bring comfort and creativity to dinner tables. Guests will adore these individual portions that blend hearty ground beef with creamy potato topping, offering a playful twist on classic comfort cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 large egg

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coating a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, diced onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients until well incorporated.
3. Distribute the meat mixture evenly into each muffin cup, pressing firmly to create compact mini meatloaves that reach the top of each compartment.
4. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and surfaces develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
5. During baking, place potatoes in a pot of salted water and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
6. Drain potatoes thoroughly and transform into a creamy mash by incorporating milk, butter, salt, and pepper, whipping until smooth and fluffy.
7. Allow meatloaf muffins to rest and cool slightly before carefully extracting from the tin.
8. Using a piping bag or spoon, artfully cover each mini meatloaf with the prepared mashed potato “frosting”.
9. Finish by sprinkling fresh chives or parsley on top for a vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by mixing different ground meats like beef, pork, and veal for a more complex taste profile.
• Prevent dry meatloaf by avoiding overmixing and using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with rolled oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option.
• Add extra moisture and nutrition by incorporating grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the meat mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg