Easy Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

Crafting delectable mini meatloaf muffins that surprise and delight sits at the heart of comfort cooking magic.

Small packages pack enormous flavor in these adorable handheld treats.

Soft mashed potato frosting crowns each perfectly seasoned meat morsel like a creamy crown.

Hearty ingredients mingle to create something both familiar and innovative for dinner tables.

Quick preparation meets serious satisfaction with these compact protein-packed bites.

Comfort food gets a playful makeover that you’ll absolutely adore.

One bite promises to transform your typical weeknight meal into a memorable culinary adventure.

Best Practices for Storing Meatloaf Muffins

• Refrigerate leftover meatloaf muffins in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Store mashed potato frosting separately to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.

FAQs

• What type of meat works best for these meatloaf muffins?

Ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the most flavor and moisture, ensuring juicy meatloaf muffins that aren’t too dry.

• Can I make these meatloaf muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and fill the muffin tin in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easier.

• How do I prevent my mashed potato frosting from being lumpy?

Use a potato ricer or hand mixer to mash potatoes, and ensure potatoes are cooked until very tender. Warm milk and butter also help create a smoother texture.

Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Topping

• Craft Creative Bite-Sized Comfort: These mini meatloaf muffins transform traditional meatloaf into adorable, portion-controlled servings perfect for both kids and adults who love playful food presentation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground beef with turkey or add cheese, herbs, or vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to personal tastes.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Solution: With minimal prep and cooking steps, these individual meatloaf muffins provide a complete protein and potato meal that comes together faster than traditional meatloaf, reducing kitchen stress and cleanup.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner Delight: The cute muffin shape and creamy mashed potato topping make this recipe a guaranteed hit with children, encouraging them to enjoy protein-packed meals without fuss.

What You’ll Need to Make These Savory Muffins

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the core of these mini meatloaves and provides rich flavor.
• Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and create a smooth texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and savory undertones to the meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meat.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that creates a creamy, smooth topping for the meatloaf muffins.
• Butter, Milk: Add richness and create a smooth, spreadable consistency for the mashed potatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and elevate the potato topping's flavor.

• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and light, fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How to Bake Mini Meatloaf with Fluffy Mashed Potato Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Generously coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Set aside.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Onions
• Garlic
• Herbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Fill Muffin Tin With Meat Mixture

Scoop the meat mixture into each muffin cavity.

Press down gently to compact the mixture, creating uniform meatloaf muffins. Make sure each cup is evenly filled.

Step 4: Bake Meatloaf Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Potato Topping

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.

• Butter
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Whip until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Decorate Meatloaf Muffins

Once meatloaf muffins are baked, top each with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes. Use a piping bag for elegant swirls or simply spoon the potatoes on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the mini meatloaf muffins immediately while warm. These bite-sized delights are perfect for dinner or as a fun party appetizer.

Tips to Get the Perfect Texture and Flavor

• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the meatloaf's taste profile.
• Add grated cheese to mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and richness.
• Line muffin tin with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in microwave or oven.

Flavor Boosters to Try with Your Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Gluten-Free Meatloaf Muffins: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Potato-Topped Cups: Swap meat with lentils, black beans, or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Topping: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that's equally creamy.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Muffins: Add jalapeños, cumin, and top with salsa or pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Great Side Ideas to Serve with These Muffins

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these mini meatloaf muffins as a fun, individual-sized main course that lets everyone enjoy their personal portion with crispy edges and creamy potato topping.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Arrange meatloaf muffins on a decorative platter with fresh herb garnish, creating an eye-catching dish that's easy to transport and perfect for sharing at gatherings.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack cooled meatloaf muffins in meal prep containers with a small side salad for a hearty, protein-packed lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied all afternoon.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Hack

Delicious Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Scrumptious mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting bring comfort and creativity to classic dinner fare. Hearty protein nestled in individual portions provides a delightful twist you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb/454 grams) ground beef
• 1 egg

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ketchup
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully portion the meat mixture into each muffin cavity, gently pressing down to create compact, uniform meatloaves that fill each cup.
4. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160F for food safety.
5. While meatloaves cook, prepare mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potato chunks in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
6. Drain potatoes and return to the pot, mashing thoroughly with butter, milk, and seasonings until smooth and creamy.
7. Once meatloaves are fully cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Transfer mashed potatoes to a piping bag or use a spoon to create decorative topping on each mini meatloaf.
9. Serve immediately while meatloaves are warm and potato frosting is soft and inviting.

Notes

• Customize meat blend by mixing ground beef, pork, or turkey for varied flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for easy adaptation.
• Enhance protein content by adding finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition.
• Create make-ahead option by preparing meatloaf muffins in advance and refrigerating, then reheating with fresh potato topping for quick weeknight meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 185 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg