Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and delicious twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for individual servings and great for kids and adults alike. Start by combining ground beef (or turkey) with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. While the meatloaf muffins bake, prepare mashed potatoes with butter and milk, then transfer to a piping bag. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, pipe the mashed potatoes on top and garnish with grated cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make meal!

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and delicious twist on the classic meatloaf dish. These individual servings are perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, combining the savory flavors of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground Beef or Turkey: 1 lb for a flavorful and protein-rich base.
• Onion: 1 finely chopped for added flavor and texture.
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced for a savory kick.
• Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup to help bind the mixture.
• Egg: 1 beaten to add moisture and hold the meatloaf together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons for a rich, umami flavor.
• Ketchup: 1/4 cup for a hint of sweetness and tang.
• Salt and Pepper: to taste, for seasoning.
• Mashed Potatoes: 4 cups prepared as desired for the frosting.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons to add creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Milk: 1/4 cup to achieve the desired consistency of the mashed potatoes.
• Optional Toppings: Grated cheese, chopped parsley, crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and garnish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef (or turkey), 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined to create the meatloaf mixture.

Step 2:

Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to form mini meatloaf muffins. This ensures each muffin is packed with flavor and holds its shape.

Step 3:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mini meatloaf muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on top. This gives them a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 4:

While the meatloaf muffins are baking, prepare 4 cups of mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for easy application.

Step 5:

Allow the mini meatloaf muffins to cool slightly before piping mashed potato frosting on top of each muffin. Swirl the mashed potatoes to resemble frosting on cupcakes, adding a fun and delicious touch.

Step 6:

Garnish the mashed potato frosting with optional toppings such as grated cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve the mini meatloaf muffins warm and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic dish!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the mini meatloaf muffins warm, topped with the mashed potato frosting and garnished with your choice of grated cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits.
• Pair these meatloaf muffins with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• To freeze, place the cooked meatloaf muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and frosting with mashed potatoes.

Helpful Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version of these mini meatloaf muffins.
• For extra moisture and flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or barbecue sauce to the meatloaf mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother mashed potato frosting, use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes until they are light and fluffy.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests seasoning the meatloaf mixture generously to ensure it is flavorful throughout.
• Chef Jamie Oliver recommends using freshly grated breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a better texture.
• Chef Ina Garten advises letting the meatloaf muffins rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance the flavor.