Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting recipe is a delicious and fun twist on traditional meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for those who love meatloaf but want to switch things up a bit. The meatloaf is baked in a muffin tin, making it easy to portion and serve. The mashed potato frosting adds a creamy and flavorful touch that complements the meatloaf perfectly.
To make this recipe, ground beef is mixed with breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then pressed into muffin tin cups and baked until cooked through. While the meatloaf bakes, potatoes are boiled and mashed with milk, butter, salt, and pepper to make the “frosting.” Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, they are removed from the tin and topped with the mashed potato frosting. Fresh chives or parsley can be added as a garnish before serving.
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes. The meatloaf can be made with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and the mashed potato frosting can be flavored with cheese, herbs, or spices. Overall, Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting recipe is a delicious and fun way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Components
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
The meatloaf components are the foundation of the savory mini meatloaf muffins. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are combined to form the meatloaf mixture. The ketchup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the meatloaf, while the garlic powder and onion provide a savory taste. Salt and pepper are added to taste, ensuring that the meatloaf is seasoned to perfection.
Mashed Potato Frosting
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
The mashed potato frosting is a unique and delicious addition to the mini meatloaf muffins. The potatoes are boiled until tender and then mashed with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The milk and butter make the potatoes rich and creamy, while the salt and pepper add flavor. The mashed potato frosting is piped or spooned on top of each meatloaf cupcake, creating a savory and delicious “frosting” that perfectly complements the meatloaf.
Overall, the ingredients for the savory mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting are simple and easy to find, making this recipe a great option for a quick and tasty dinner.
Preparation Overview
Oven Preheating
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Meatloaf Mixing
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Meatloaf Baking
Press the meatloaf mixture into the muffin tin cups, filling each to the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the tops are browned.
Potato Boiling
While the meatloaf bakes, peel and cube the potatoes. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Potato Mashing
Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, let them cool slightly and then remove them from the tin. Pipe or spoon the mashed potato “frosting” on top of each meatloaf cupcake and garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.
Assembly
Meatloaf Cooling
After the meatloaf muffins are done baking, it’s important to let them cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. This will help prevent them from falling apart or losing their shape. Once they are cool enough to handle, gently remove them from the tin using a fork or spoon.
Frosting Application
To apply the mashed potato “frosting,” it’s best to use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This will give you more control over the amount of frosting you apply and allow you to create a decorative swirl on top of each muffin.
Alternatively, you can simply spoon the mashed potatoes on top of each muffin and spread it out evenly with a knife or spatula. This method may not be as visually appealing as piping the frosting, but it will still taste delicious.
Once the frosting is applied, garnish each muffin with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Garnishing and Serving
Once the savory mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting are baked and ready, it’s time to add the finishing touches. A well-placed garnish can elevate the presentation of the dish and make it look even more appetizing. Here are a few ideas for garnishing and serving the mini meatloaf muffins:
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh chives or parsley over the top of the mashed potato frosting for a pop of color and flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Drizzle some tomato sauce over the top of the muffins for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top of the muffins for a gooey, melty finish.
- Side dishes: Serve the mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting alongside some roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
When serving the mini meatloaf muffins, it’s important to keep in mind the portion sizes. These muffins are filling and hearty, so one or two per person should suffice. The mashed potato frosting adds a creamy, indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
Overall, the mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a few simple garnishes and sides, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure the meatloaf muffins remain moist after baking?
To ensure that the meatloaf muffins remain moist after baking, it’s important not to overcook them. Bake them until they are just cooked through, and no longer pink in the center. Another tip is to add a little bit of extra milk or tomato sauce to the meatloaf mixture, which will help keep it moist.
What are some creative variations for stuffing the meatloaf muffins?
There are many creative variations for stuffing the meatloaf muffins, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular options include adding shredded cheese, diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even a small amount of diced bacon or ham.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the mashed potato frosting?
Yes, there are several dairy-free alternatives for the mashed potato frosting. You can use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, instead of regular milk, and substitute vegan butter or margarine for the butter. You can also add some nutritional yeast to the mashed potatoes for a cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare the savory mini meatloaf muffins in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the savory mini meatloaf muffins in advance for a party. Simply bake them as directed, and then allow them to cool completely. Once they are cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve them, reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What’s the best way to pipe mashed potato frosting to resemble real cupcake frosting?
The best way to pipe mashed potato frosting to resemble real cupcake frosting is to use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Hold the piping bag perpendicular to the meatloaf muffin, and pipe a swirl of mashed potatoes on top. You can also use a spoon to create a more rustic look.
Are there any recommended side dishes to complement the meatloaf muffins?
Some recommended side dishes to complement the meatloaf muffins include roasted vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, a side salad, or garlic bread. You can also serve them with a simple gravy made from beef broth and cornstarch.