Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a classic meatloaf dinner, but when you transform it into adorable, bite-sized portions, it becomes even more irresistible. Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting are a fun, family-friendly twist on traditional meatloaf, offering perfectly portioned bites packed with bold flavors and topped with a creamy, buttery "frosting."

I first made these mini meatloaf muffins when trying to make dinner more exciting for my kids. They were instantly a hit—not only are they delicious, but the playful mashed potato topping makes them feel like a treat. Plus, they cook faster than a regular meatloaf, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You'll Love These Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Get ready to fall in love with these delightful little meatloaf muffins. They bring all the cozy flavors of a traditional meatloaf but in a much more convenient and fun-to-eat format.

First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make. Unlike a full-sized meatloaf that takes an hour or more, these muffins bake in just 20-25 minutes, cutting down your overall dinner prep time.

They’re also perfectly portioned for meal prep. Whether you need an easy grab-and-go lunch or a kid-friendly dinner, these muffins are a great option.

Not to mention, they’re packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings creates a rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes on top.

And let’s not forget how fun they are! The mashed potato "frosting" turns a classic comfort food into a playful, cupcake-like meal that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting comes from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create an irresistible dish.

Ground Beef is the star of the show, and I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.

Breadcrumbs help bind everything together while adding a bit of texture. Panko breadcrumbs work well for a slightly crispier bite, while traditional breadcrumbs keep the texture softer.

Worcestershire Sauce adds a deep umami richness that enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf. A little goes a long way in making each bite more savory and satisfying.

Mashed Potatoes are what make these mini meatloaf muffins truly special. Use buttery, creamy mashed potatoes for the best "frosting" consistency. Yukon Gold potatoes create an ultra-smooth mash, but russet potatoes work well too.

You'll also need a muffin tin to shape and bake these perfectly portioned meatloaf muffins. A piping bag or zip-top bag can help with neatly "frosting" the mashed potatoes on top.

How To Make These Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Making these Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a muffin tin. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently—overmixing can make the meatloaf muffins dense and tough.

Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing them down slightly to form compact portions. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

While the meatloaf muffins are baking, prepare your mashed potato frosting. Boil peeled and cubed potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For extra smoothness, use a hand mixer.

Once the meatloaf muffins are done, let them cool for a few minutes before piping or spooning the mashed potatoes on top like frosting. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to create a lightly golden, crispy topping.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Options

These mini meatloaf muffins store beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

To store in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container and keep them for up to 4 days. Be sure to store the mashed potato topping separately if you want to maintain its fluffy texture.

For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf muffins (without the mashed potato topping) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

To reheat, warm the muffins in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to customize it to your tastes or dietary preferences:

If you're looking for a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You may need to add a little olive oil to keep the mixture moist.

For a low-carb version, replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This keeps the texture intact while reducing carbs.

Want to mix up the flavors? Try adding shredded cheese to the meat mixture for an extra cheesy bite or mixing in some chopped spinach or grated carrots for a hidden veggie boost.

If you love bold flavors, experiment with different seasonings. Adding Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce can give your meatloaf muffins a unique twist.

No potatoes on hand? You can substitute the mashed potato topping with mashed cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb alternative that still gives you the creamy, smooth texture.

These Savory Mini Meatloaf Muffins With Mashed Potato Frosting are the perfect way to reinvent a classic comfort dish in a fun, easy-to-make format. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a creative way to enjoy meatloaf, these muffins are sure to be a hit!

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