Name: Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups mashed potatoes, whipped until creamy

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These Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are a fun, delicious twist on two of my favorite comfort foods. Tender, juicy meatloaf baked in individual portions and topped with a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes—they’re as cute as they are tasty. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or hosting a cozy get-together, these savory “cupcakes” always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a classic dish into something creative and easy to serve. The cupcake format makes portioning simple, and they cook faster than a traditional meatloaf. The whipped potato topping gives them that extra comforting touch—like built-in mashed potatoes for every serving. They’re also great for meal prepping or feeding picky eaters (they really look like cupcakes!). Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mashed potatoes, whipped until creamy

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I mix everything until well combined, but I’m careful not to overmix to keep the meat tender.
I line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and evenly divide the meat mixture among them, pressing down gently so they hold their shape.
I bake the meatloaf cupcakes for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and beginning to brown on top.
Once out of the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes before adding the topping.
Using a piping bag or spoon, I top each cupcake with a swirl of creamy whipped mashed potatoes.
I serve them warm, optionally sprinkled with a bit of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for color.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 meatloaf cupcakes, depending on the size of the muffin tin. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so dinner’s ready in about 35 minutes.

Variations

When I want to change it up, I mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the meat mixture for a cheesy twist. Sometimes I sneak in finely grated carrots or zucchini for a veggie boost. For a tangy topping, I swirl in a bit of sour cream into the mashed potatoes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 30–45 seconds until heated through. They also freeze well—I just freeze the meatloaf portion separately and add fresh mashed potatoes when reheating for best texture. Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep and bake the meatloaf cupcakes ahead, then top with mashed potatoes just before serving or reheating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. I’ve made these with ground turkey, and they still come out moist and flavorful. I just make sure to season well and avoid overcooking.

What’s the best way to pipe the mashed potatoes?

I use a piping bag with a large star tip for a decorative swirl, but a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off works too.

Can I make these without cupcake liners?

Yes, I just grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking. I let them cool slightly before removing them to help them hold together.

Do the mashed potatoes need to be warm?

They don’t have to be piping hot, but I like them warm enough to pipe easily. If they’re cold, I gently reheat them until they’re soft and spreadable.

Conclusion

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping are the ultimate in playful, comforting food. They combine everything I love about a hearty meal into a single, easy-to-eat portion. Whether I’m serving them for dinner, packing them for lunch, or making a kid-friendly version of meatloaf night, they’re always a big hit—and just as fun to make as they are to eat.