Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a classic meatloaf, but these Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting take the nostalgia to a whole new level. Perfectly seasoned meatloaf is baked into individual portions, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a fun and delicious twist on a homestyle favorite.

this Recipe

I first made these when looking for a way to get my kids excited about dinner. They were thrilled at the idea of "cupcakes" for dinner, and I loved how easy it was to portion and serve. Whether you're making them for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, these little meatloaf muffins will quickly become a staple.

Why You'll Love These Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Get ready for a meal that's both delicious and practical. These Mini Meatloaf Muffins offer all the flavors of a traditional meatloaf with a fun, bite-sized twist.

First, they're incredibly easy to make. Everything comes together in a single bowl, and baking them in a muffin tin cuts down on cooking time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

They're also kid-friendly. The individual portions and mashed potato topping make them fun to eat, and you can even let little ones help "frost" their own muffins for extra mealtime excitement.

If you're looking for meal prep options, these are a great choice. They store well in the fridge and freezer, making them an excellent make-ahead meal for lunches or quick dinners.

Lastly, these mini meatloaves are versatile. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your family's preferences, using different meats, seasonings, or even a cheesy surprise inside.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to making these Mini Meatloaf Muffins truly amazing lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I recommend using an 85/15 blend—lean enough to avoid excessive grease but fatty enough to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

Breadcrumbs and eggs act as binders, holding everything together while keeping the texture soft. Panko breadcrumbs work well for a lighter texture, but classic breadcrumbs are just as effective.

Onions and garlic add depth of flavor. I like to finely dice the onions so they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture, ensuring a flavorful bite in every muffin.

Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce provide a rich, slightly tangy sweetness that enhances the savory flavors. A little Dijon mustard can also be added for an extra layer of complexity.

For the mashed potato frosting, russet potatoes are my go-to. They whip up fluffy and smooth, creating the perfect topping. Adding butter, milk, and a hint of garlic powder makes them extra creamy and flavorful.

How To Make These Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Creating these delightful Mini Meatloaf Muffins is simple and straightforward. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a muffin tin to prevent sticking. This will help ensure the meatloaf muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove once cooked.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the muffins dense.

Scoop the mixture evenly into the muffin tin, pressing lightly to form compact little meatloaf portions. For extra flavor, spread a small amount of ketchup on top of each one before baking.

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let them cool slightly while preparing the mashed potato frosting.

While the meatloaf bakes, peel, chop, and boil russet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain them well, then mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and garlic powder until smooth and fluffy.

For a fun finishing touch, spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes onto the tops of the mini meatloaves. If you want to get fancy, use a piping bag with a star tip for a beautiful, swirled effect.

Storage Options

These Mini Meatloaf Muffins store exceptionally well, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, place the cooled meatloaf muffins in an airtight container and store them for up to 4 days. The mashed potato frosting may firm up slightly but will soften again when reheated.

If freezing, arrange the muffins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. If needed, add a splash of milk to refresh the mashed potato topping.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up to fit your preferences.

For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just add a splash of olive oil to keep the mixture moist.

Want an extra cheesy twist? Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture or place a small cube of cheese in the center of each muffin for a gooey surprise.

If you love bold flavors, experiment with different seasonings. Add smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or even a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.

For a low-carb version, swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This keeps the texture intact while making the recipe keto-friendly.

Looking to add more veggies? Finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can be mixed into the meat mixture for extra nutrition without altering the taste.

These Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a fresh new form. Whether you're making them for family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit!

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