Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic comfort food: Meatloaf Cupcakes! Imagine your favorite savory meatloaf, perfectly portioned into charming mini “cupcakes” and crowned with a luscious swirl of creamy mashed potatoes. This inventive recipe, also known as Hassan Pasha kofte, transforms a traditional family meal into an exciting and easily manageable dish that appeals to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. These individual meatloaves, elegantly “iced” with fluffy mashed potatoes, are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly fun to prepare and serve. They represent the ultimate combination of heartwarming flavor and playful presentation, making them an instant hit for any occasion.
For those looking to prepare meals in advance, these meatloaf cupcakes are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Next time, consider exploring this moist meatloaf recipe for another family favorite.
These individual meatloaf creations are more than just a novelty; they are a budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and exceptionally easy-to-prepare meal solution. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for a relaxed weeknight dinner with the kids or an elegant gathering with friends. The convenient mini size ensures quicker cooking times and built-in portion control, while the attractive presentation elevates the humble meatloaf into something truly special. Get ready to impress your family and guests with these charming and satisfying mini meatloaves.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Significantly Reduced Cooking Time: Unlike a large, traditional meatloaf that can take over an hour to cook, these mini meatloaves bake in just 20-25 minutes. This makes them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table fast.
- Clever Use of Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Got some mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner? These meatloaf cupcakes offer the perfect opportunity to transform them into a delicious and creative topping, minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor.
- No Eggs Needed: This recipe is naturally egg-free, making it suitable for those with egg allergies or for when you simply run out of eggs. Our secret ingredient ensures a perfectly moist bind without them!
- Remarkably Versatile: Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party or a fun, kid-friendly meal, these meatloaf muffins fit the bill. Their individual portions and charming appearance make them a hit with all ages and for any occasion.
- Unbelievably Moist and Flavorful: Our special technique involving bread soaked in water guarantees an exceptionally moist meatloaf. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly meatloaf forever – this recipe delivers tender, juicy results every time.
- Perfect Portion Control: Each meatloaf cupcake is an individual serving, making it easy to manage portions and reducing leftovers (unless you purposefully make extra for freezing!).
- Fun and Engaging for Kids: The cupcake shape and “mashed potato icing” make these mini meatloaves incredibly appealing to children, encouraging even picky eaters to enjoy their dinner.
Children absolutely adore these delicious little meatloaf cupcakes, especially with the creamy mashed potatoes crowning each one. We often double the recipe to ensure we have plenty of extras to freeze for quick future meals. If you don’t have a piping bag to create that elegant swirl, don’t worry! Mashed potatoes can be simply scooped and piled high on top of the meatloaf muffins for a rustic yet equally delicious presentation.
📝 Essential Ingredients for Your Meatloaf Cupcakes
📋 Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
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- Bread: We prefer white bread for its soft texture and ability to absorb moisture, but feel free to use your favorite kind. Stale bread, hamburger buns, or even hotdog buns work wonderfully. The bread is not just a binding agent; when soaked, it’s our secret ingredient for achieving an incredibly moist and tender meatloaf texture that truly melts in your mouth! It eliminates the need for dry breadcrumbs, which can sometimes lead to a drier meatloaf.
- Ground Beef: The cornerstone of our meatloaf cupcakes. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. This provides ample moisture and richness, preventing the meatloaf from drying out. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef can be used, but be mindful not to overcook. You can also experiment with a mix of ground beef and ground pork for added depth of flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: The glorious “icing” for your meatloaf cupcakes! You can use freshly homemade mashed potatoes, instant mashed potatoes for convenience, or even store-bought pre-made mashed potatoes. The key is to ensure they are creamy and smooth enough to pipe or dollop easily. Feel free to season your mashed potatoes to your liking with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and savory depth to the meatloaf mixture. It’s a crucial component for that classic meatloaf flavor. For a milder taste, you can use shallots or green onions.
- Garlic: A must-have for boosting the overall flavor profile. Minced fresh garlic infuses the meatloaf with a pungent, savory kick that complements the beef perfectly. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always recommended.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a lovely fleck of green color to the meatloaf mixture but also contributes a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the flavors. Flat-leaf parsley is generally preferred for its more robust flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out and enhance all the flavors of the meatloaf muffins. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb for meatloaf, dried oregano provides an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with ground beef and the other aromatics. If you don’t have oregano, a pinch of Italian seasoning can be a good substitute.
- Ketchup: Used for the traditional tangy and slightly sweet glaze on top of the meatloaf cupcakes before the mashed potatoes are added. It bakes into a delicious, caramelized crust.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for Meatloaf Cupcakes
Note: This is an overview of the instructions, designed to give you a clear understanding. For precise measurements and detailed steps, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by tearing the bread slices into small, manageable pieces with your hands. Place these pieces into a medium-sized bowl.
- Soak the Bread: Add 5-6 tablespoons of water to the bread pieces. Allow the bread to soak for 5-10 minutes until it becomes soft and fully saturated. Once softened, use your hands to break it down further, forming a smooth paste. This is crucial for the meatloaf’s moisture!
- Combine Aromatics: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared bread paste with the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Season the Mixture: Add the salt, dried oregano, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix again to ensure all the seasonings are well incorporated throughout the bread and aromatic mixture.
- Add Ground Beef: Introduce the ground beef to the large bowl with the seasoned bread mixture. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher meatloaf.
- Form the Cupcakes: Take approximately ⅓ cup of the meatloaf mixture for each cupcake. Gently form this portion into a ball.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Press each meatball firmly into one of the cups of a prepared muffin pan. Repeat this process until all the meatloaf mixture has been used. Bake in a preheated oven until cooked through and nicely browned on top.
- Drain and Glaze: Once baked, carefully remove the meatloaf cupcakes from the oven and drain any excess fat that may have accumulated in the muffin cups. This prevents the meatloaf from becoming greasy. Transfer the meatloaves to a serving plate. Top each mini meatloaf with about a tablespoon of ketchup, spreading it evenly.
- Pipe Mashed Potatoes: For that signature “cupcake” look, fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip (or your favorite decorative tip) with the prepared mashed potatoes. Pipe a beautiful swirl of mashed potatoes over each mini meatloaf, just like you would frost a cupcake. Alternatively, if you don’t have a piping bag, simply scoop and shape the mashed potatoes into an appealing dome on top of each meatloaf. Serve immediately and enjoy!
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Bread Choices are Flexible: While white bread works best for maximum moisture, feel free to use other soft breads like stale bread, sandwich bread, or even hotdog buns. The key is to ensure it can soak up water and form a paste. Avoid dry breadcrumbs for the ultimate moist texture.
- Mashed Potato Customization: Any mashed potato recipe will work for the topping! Whether you prefer homemade creamy mashed potatoes, quick instant mashed potatoes, or even a convenient store-bought mix, use what you love. For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, chives, or a pat of butter to your mashed potatoes for added flavor.
- Alternative Glazes and Sauces: If ketchup isn’t your preference, the possibilities for glazes are endless. You can craft any meatloaf glaze you like! Consider a tangy BBQ sauce, a rich marinara sauce, a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, or a Worcestershire-based sauce. We’ve previously demonstrated a delicious alternative glaze in this classic meatloaf recipe.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ground beef with the other ingredients, mix only until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can compact the meat, leading to a tough and dense meatloaf instead of a tender, juicy one.
- Don’t Overcook: Because these are mini meatloaves, they cook much faster than a large loaf. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, which can dry them out. They are typically done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the tops are nicely browned.
- Drain Excess Fat: After baking, it’s common for some fat to accumulate in the muffin cups. Be sure to carefully drain this fat before adding your glaze and mashed potato topping to ensure a less greasy and more enjoyable eating experience.
- Browning the Mashed Potatoes: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust, you can place the meatloaf cupcakes with their piped mashed potatoes back into the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned and slightly crispy on top.
⌛ Make Ahead for Convenience
These meatloaf cupcakes are excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The mashed potatoes can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter if needed, to restore their creamy consistency before piping them on top of the freshly baked meatloaf cupcakes. This separation ensures both components are at their freshest when assembled.
🍽️ Serve With
Meatloaf cupcakes with their mashed potato topping are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, but pairing them with a fresh salad or a medley of roasted vegetables can elevate your dinner experience. Consider serving them with steamed green beans, buttered corn, roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, or a vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides add essential nutrients, contrasting textures, and vibrant colors to create a well-rounded and visually appealing dinner. They are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a fun party appetizer.
👩🍳 Creative Variations to Customize Your Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Seasoning Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with a dash of your favorite dried seasonings. Thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, chili powder, a touch of dry mustard, or a full Italian seasoning blend can add exciting new dimensions of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also introduce a subtle heat.
- Exciting Toppings: Beyond ketchup and mashed potatoes, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped chives, fresh cilantro, or an extra dusting of paprika for color. For a richer flavor, add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the meatloaves during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt beautifully before adding the mashed potatoes. Crispy fried onions or bacon bits can also add a delightful crunch.
- Meat Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it for ground turkey, ground pork, ground lamb, or a combination of different ground meats for a unique flavor profile. Adjust cooking times slightly if using leaner meats.
- Hidden Center: For an extra surprise, press a small cube of your favorite cheese (like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone) into the center of each meatloaf ball before placing it in the muffin tin. It will melt into a delicious, gooey surprise when cut open.
🧺 Storage and Freezing Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Refrigeration: Leftover meatloaf cupcakes, complete with their mashed potato topping, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing the container.
- Freezing: These mini meatloaves freeze exceptionally well. For best results, allow the baked meatloaf cupcakes to cool completely. If they already have mashed potatoes on top, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: To reheat from frozen, thaw the wrapped meatloaf cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave, though the texture of the mashed potatoes might be softer.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf Cupcakes
The ultimate secret to achieving a wonderfully moist meatloaf lies in the bread preparation! Instead of dry breadcrumbs, this recipe uses slices of bread soaked in a small amount of water. This creates a soft, absorbent paste that locks in moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy as it bakes. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to dry breadcrumbs again – it’s a game-changer for texture!
To ensure your meatloaf cupcakes stay incredibly moist and don’t dry out, there are a couple of crucial tips to follow. First, always make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the muffin tin inside. These smaller meatloaves cook quickly, and a hot oven helps them cook evenly without losing too much moisture. Second, and most importantly, do not overcook them! Since they are much smaller than a regular meatloaf, they require significantly less baking time. Keep a close eye on them, checking for doneness after 15-20 minutes. An internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is ideal for ground beef. Slightly undercooking is better than overcooking to maintain juiciness.
The options for meatloaf glaze are incredibly diverse and delicious! Beyond classic ketchup, you can try a tangy barbecue sauce, a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze (often mixed with a bit of mustard and vinegar), a rich tomato paste reduction, or even a simple yet flavorful Worcestershire sauce-based topping. For a touch of heat, add some Sriracha or chili powder to your chosen glaze. You could also use a mushroom gravy or even a steak sauce for a different flavor profile. The beauty is you can customize it to your family’s preference, or skip a glaze entirely if you prefer!
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, these meatloaf cupcakes are wonderfully versatile. You can easily substitute ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken, or even a blend of different ground meats. If using leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a little extra moisture, such as a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more water to the bread mixture, to ensure they remain juicy. Adjust baking times slightly as leaner meats can cook faster.
📣 More Savory Recipes From the Blog
- An incredibly simple to make easy beef kafta (kefta) is a traditional Middle Eastern style dish that’s full of flavor, perfect for grilling or baking.
- Ground beef gyros offer a tasty and nourishing meal that is surprisingly easy to create right in your own kitchen. Try them out the next time you are craving authentic Greek flavors.
- Kofta kebabs are a delicious and widely popular Middle Eastern dish that are ideal for grilling during summer evenings or cooking conveniently in the oven.
- Gluten-free meatballs, crafted with fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and rice flour, offer a delightful alternative. This dish is also known as Egyptian rice meatballs and is both dairy and egg-free.
More Recipes with Potatoes
- This chicken and mashed potato recipe perfectly blends the comforting essence of chicken pot pie with the rich creaminess of mashed potatoes. It is a signature dish from one of my dearest friends.
- Mashed Potatoes Chicken Casserole is a family-favorite, delectable comfort food that promises to elevate your mashed potatoes to an entirely new level. It’s fantastic for a satisfying weeknight dinner or as a hearty side dish for holiday gatherings.
More Irresistible Meatloaf Recipes
- This meatloaf with oatmeal presents a superb option for a super juicy, delicious, and easy family dinner. Crowned with its irresistible glaze, this meatloaf will have kids eagerly running to the dinner table!
- Here is a wonderfully flavorful twist to the old-fashioned classic: Salsa Meatloaf is a moist meatloaf bursting with bright, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
- Have some ground turkey on hand? I wholeheartedly recommend trying this moist turkey meatloaf; it is exceptionally tender, flavorful, and a healthier alternative.
- Our Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is often considered even better than the restaurant’s version. It features flavorful, tender ground meat with a restaurant-quality, yet comforting homestyle flavor in every single bite.
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Meatloaf Cupcakes
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Equipment
-
Muffin pan
-
Mixing bowl
-
Piping bag fitted with star tip
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Lightly spray muffin pan(s) with oil.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear up the bread slices with your hand into smaller pieces then place in a bowl.
- Add 5-6 tablespoons of water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then break with your hands to form a paste.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread paste, onions, and garlic, mixing them all well.
- Add the salt, oregano, black pepper, and parsley. Mix to combine.
- Mix in the ground beef until just well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Take about ⅓ cup of the meat mixture and form it into a ball.
- Press the ball into one of the cups in the prepared muffin pan. Repeat until you are done with the whole mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until done and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
- Take the meatloaf cupcakes out and carefully drain any excess fat from the muffin cups.
- Place meatloaves on a serving plate, top each one with about a tablespoon of ketchup, spreading it evenly.
- Pipe mashed potatoes through a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or simply scoop and shape them into a dome on top of each meatloaf cupcake. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any soft bread you like; hotdog buns or stale sandwich bread work well too.
- Use your favorite mashed potato recipe or even a store-bought mix for convenience.
- If you prefer not to use ketchup, you can make any meatloaf glaze you like, such as BBQ sauce or a brown sugar glaze. We’ve shared another delicious glaze option in this moist meatloaf recipe.
- For an extra touch, you can lightly brown the piped mashed potatoes in the oven for a few minutes after topping the meatloaf cupcakes.
To Store:
- Place leftover meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- To freeze, wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then in heavy-duty foil, and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 17g |
Protein: 10g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 32mg |
Sodium: 411mg |
Potassium: 328mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 4g |
Vitamin A: 197IU |
Vitamin C: 13mg |
Calcium: 34mg |
Iron: 1mg
First published Dec 26, 2014. Last updated March 10, 2022 with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability.