Here’s a delicious recipe for Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping. These mini meatloafs are perfect for a family dinner or a fun party dish.
### Meatloaf Cupcakes
#### Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
#### Topping:
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
### Whipped Potato Topping
#### Ingredients:
– 2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or grease it well with cooking spray.
2. **Prepare Meatloaf Mixture**: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. **Form Cupcakes**: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to form a slight dome on top.
4. **Topping**: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar. Spoon a little of this mixture over the top of each meatloaf cupcake.
5. **Bake**: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
6. **Prepare Mashed Potatoes**: While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. If you’re starting from scratch, peel and boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Whip them until they are smooth and creamy.
7. **Pipe or Spoon Potatoes**: Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe the mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spoon the potatoes on top and smooth them out with a spoon.
8. **Garnish and Serve**: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
### Tips:
– **Variations**: You can add shredded cheese to the meatloaf mixture or sprinkle some on top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
– **Vegetables**: For added nutrition, finely chop and add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture.
– **Make Ahead**: Both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time. Just reheat and assemble before serving.
Enjoy your Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping!
