🍖✨ Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato “Frosting”

Who says meatloaf has to be boring? These Mini Meatloaf Muffins are tender, savory, and baked in individual servings — topped with a creamy, fluffy mashed potato “frosting” that makes them look like adorable cupcakes! Perfect for family dinners, kids’ lunches, or even a fun party appetizer.

This recipe is comforting, hearty, and customizable. You get all the cozy flavors of traditional meatloaf in a bite-sized, easy-to-serve portion. The mashed potato topping adds a beautiful visual flair and a creamy, buttery balance to the savory meat.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Mini Meatloaf Muffins:

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping, optional)

For the Mashed Potato “Frosting”:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

🍽️ 7 Directions

1. Prep the potatoes for frosting:
   Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain, mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix the meatloaf batter:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup ketchup. Mix gently until ingredients are evenly combined — don’t overmix or the meatloaf will be tough.

3. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

4. Form the mini meatloaves:
   Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Press down lightly so each muffin is compact but not overfilled. Optionally, top each with a small dollop of ketchup.

5. Bake the mini meatloaves:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the tops are slightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

6. Pipe or spread the mashed potato “frosting”:
   Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the potatoes over each mini meatloaf muffin to resemble frosting. Alternatively, use a spoon to spread a generous layer.

7. Optional garnish and serve:
   Sprinkle with paprika, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits for extra flair. Serve warm as a main dish, side, or party appetizer.

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