Description

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the heartwarming nostalgia of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. These two classics have graced countless dinner tables, offering both simplicity and satisfaction. But what if you could take these beloved staples and give them a modern, playful twist? Enter Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting—bite-sized portions of meatloaf that are not only delicious but also irresistibly fun to eat. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, these mini meatloaf muffins combine the savory richness of traditional meatloaf with the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes, all in a convenient, muffin-sized package.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mashed Potato Frosting:
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your mini meatloaf muffins cook evenly.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Shape the Muffins: Grease a muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to ensure each cup is full. This recipe should yield about 8-10 mini meatloaf muffins, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the tops are slightly browned. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F (70°C).

Prepare the Mashed Potato Frosting: While the meatloaf muffins are baking, peel and boil the potatoes until they’re tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. If you want to get creative, you can add some garlic powder, cheese, or even chives to the mashed potatoes.

Frost the Meatloaf Muffins: Once the meatloaf muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a piping bag or a spoon, top each muffin with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes. For an extra touch, you can pipe the mashed potatoes in a swirl, just like frosting on a cupcake.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve these mini meatloaf muffins with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as leftovers.

Tips and Conclusion

For an added burst of flavor, consider glazing your mini meatloaf muffins before baking. Simply mix together some ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of mustard, then brush it over the tops of the muffins before they go into the oven. The glaze will caramelize as it bakes, creating a sweet and tangy topping that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf.

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a new and exciting format. The individual portions make them perfect for serving at gatherings, and the playful presentation with the mashed potato frosting is sure to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a fun dish to bring to a potluck, these mini meatloaf muffins are sure to impress. Plus, with the bonus tip of adding a glaze, you can customize the flavor to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try and discover how a simple twist can turn a traditional dish into something truly special!