Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato

These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato are a delightful twist on a comfort food classic. Baked in muffin tins, they cook much faster than traditional meatloaf, making them ideal for weeknight meals or family-friendly dinners. Each mini meatloaf is tender, juicy, and topped with a creamy swirl of mashed potato adorable, delicious, and surprisingly freezer-friendly.

Not only do they look fun (especially if you go the extra mile and pipe the potato), but they’re also great for sneaking in extra vegetables. Grated carrot is part of the base recipe, but finely shredded zucchini, cabbage, or spinach can easily be incorporated. Kids love them, and adults will find them equally satisfying. Whether served fresh or reheated, these cupcakes hold their flavor and texture beautifully.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Meatloaf Cupcakes:

• 1 lb / 500g beef mince (ground beef)

• 1 onion, grated (brown, white, or yellow)

• 2 small carrots, grated

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup (or tomato sauce)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp salt

• Pepper, to taste

Mashed Potato:

• 2 large or 3 medium potatoes

• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

• 1/2 – 1 cup milk

Garnish (Optional):

• Tomato ketchup or sauce

• Finely chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat to 180°C / 350°F. Spray 8 holes of a muffin tin with non-stick spray.

2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:

• Grate onion and carrot directly into a large mixing bowl.

• Add all other meatloaf ingredients and combine well using hands.

• Scoop 1/2 cup of mixture per cupcake and form into a ball. Press into muffin tin holes, forming a slight dome on top.

• Makes approximately 8 cupcakes.

3. Bake:

• Bake for 20–25 minutes until browned on top. Remove from oven and let rest briefly.

4. Prepare Mashed Potatoes:

• Peel and dice the potatoes. Boil or steam until tender.

• Drain and mash with butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Add more milk to reach desired consistency. The mash should be creamy yet stiff enough to hold shape when piped or spooned.

5. Assemble:

• Smear a small amount of ketchup on each meatloaf cupcake.

• Top with mashed potato (pipe it for presentation or spoon and fluff with a fork).

• Optionally, sprinkle with parsley.

Optional Final Step:

• You can bake the assembled cupcakes for an additional 10 minutes or broil briefly to brown the potato topping. But for a softer, icing-like texture, skip this.

Storage Tip:

• Cool completely before freezing. Once cooled, a thin skin forms on the mashed potato, making them easy to wrap in cling film. To reheat, thaw and warm in oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes |  Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 263 per serving | Servings: 8 cupcakes

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato: A Whimsical Spin on Classic Comfort Food

Meatloaf has long held a special place at the family dinner table. It’s hearty, filling, and deeply nostalgic one of those dishes that carries stories, family traditions, and warmth in every slice. But what happens when you take that classic meatloaf, shrink it down, top it with fluffy mashed potato, and bake it into a muffin tin? You get something even better: Meatloaf Cupcakes.

This recipe isn’t just clever it’s practical, family-friendly, and surprisingly elegant. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead for the freezer, or hosting a casual get-together, meatloaf cupcakes check every box. They’re proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring, and that a few simple changes in presentation can breathe new life into classic meals.

Why Miniature Just Works

There’s something inherently fun about miniature food. Sliders, tartlets, mini pies we love them because they feel special. And with these meatloaf cupcakes, form meets function beautifully. Traditional meatloaf is undeniably delicious, but it often takes close to an hour to bake. Mini versions, on the other hand, are ready in about 20–25 minutes. That alone makes them a win on busy weeknights.

But it’s not just about saving time. Individual portions mean every “cupcake” gets a nice browning on the outside arguably the best part of any meatloaf. The result? Juicy, flavorful meatloaf with a slightly crispy exterior in every bite.

Kid-Friendly, Adult-Approved

Let’s face it getting kids excited about dinner isn’t always easy, especially when vegetables are involved. But meatloaf cupcakes have a unique edge: they’re visually appealing, they taste like comfort, and they offer a great way to sneak in extra nutrition. Grated carrots are part of the original recipe, but it’s easy to blend in more. Finely shredded spinach, zucchini, cabbage, or even cauliflower can be added without compromising taste or texture.

The mashed potato topping is the cherry on top soft, creamy, and whimsical. While you can go the extra mile and pipe the mash into neat swirls, a simple dollop with a spoon works just as well. Kids might even enjoy helping assemble them, giving you a fun activity and a practical meal in one.

Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers

One of the most underrated aspects of this recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers. While a traditional meatloaf slice tends to dry out upon reheating, these cupcakes reheat beautifully. Because each one is individually portioned and fully enclosed, they retain their moisture far better. Just pop a few in the microwave or oven, and you’ve got a delicious meal with minimal effort.

They’re also incredibly freezer-friendly. Once cooled, the mashed potato forms a light skin, so it won’t stick to cling film or containers. Wrap them up individually, stash them in the freezer, and thaw as needed. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, solo dinners, or busy family nights.

Tips to Customize Your Cupcakes

While the original recipe from RecipeTin Eats is a solid foundation, the beauty of these meatloaf cupcakes is how easily they can be tailored. Whether you’re looking to adjust flavor, texture, or dietary needs, here are a few ideas to make the recipe your own:

• Cheese Lover’s Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the meat mixture, or melt some cheese on top before adding the potato.

• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or smoked paprika for a little kick.

• Herbaceous Boost: Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives can add a refreshing herbal note.

• Switch the Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based mince to suit different diets.

• Low-Carb Option: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lighter, low-carb version.

And if you’re in a creative mood, try swapping out the topping entirely. A dollop of sweet potato mash, mashed peas, or even roasted garlic mash can introduce new flavor profiles while keeping the core idea intact.

Presentation Matters (But Don’t Overthink It)

There’s something undeniably Instagrammable about these cupcakes especially when the mashed potato is piped to resemble frosting. But don’t let presentation hold you back. These are comfort food, not competition entries. A rustic scoop of mashed potato fluffed with a fork is just as delicious and arguably more authentic.

However, if you’re serving these at a party or want to impress guests, piping the potato does elevate the visual appeal. A sprinkle of parsley, a swirl of ketchup, or a drizzle of gravy can also add both color and flavor. Serve them on a platter like a tray of savory cupcakes and watch them disappear.

Serving Suggestions

Although these meatloaf cupcakes are satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a well-rounded experience. Here are some ideas:

• Simple Green Salad: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich flavors.

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or peas make for healthy sides.

• Corn on the Cob or Roasted Corn Salad: A natural flavor match.

• Gravy or Tomato Sauce: A small bowl on the side for dipping enhances moisture and flavor.

For a fancier dinner, consider plating them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a garlic-herb butter.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These cupcakes are made for meal prep. Whether you’re storing them in the fridge for the next couple of days or freezing them for longer-term use, they hold up extremely well.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individually in cling film or place in a freezer-safe container. Best used within 2 months.

• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then reheat in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave gently.

You’ll find they retain their texture much better than traditional meatloaf slices—one of the reasons people return to this recipe again and again.

Conclusion:

In a world where weeknight meals often teeter between repetitive and rushed, meatloaf cupcakes are a delightful reprieve. They’re fast, flavorful, and flexible. They look fun on the plate, reheat like a dream, and strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking to simplify dinners, a meal prepper wanting freezer-friendly options, or a food lover curious about reinventing a classic, this recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those rare dishes that meets practicality with playfulness a meal that brings smiles before the first bite is even taken.

So go ahead, whip up a batch. Pipe or spoon on that mashed potato. And enjoy a little moment of comfort, cleverly disguised as a cupcake.