Savory mini meatloaf muffins baked to perfection and topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese—a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting offer a fun and creative twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfectly portioned, they make serving easy and are great for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, these muffins are a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, chopped garlic, ground black pepper, and seasoned salt. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar until smooth.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon the ketchup mixture evenly into the bottom of each cup of a 6-cup muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup with the meat mixture, leaving about ½-inch space at the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the meatloaves are no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F (70°C).
- Add Mashed Potatoes and Cheese: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and drain any excess fat. Top each meatloaf muffin with mashed potatoes and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Again: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Allow the mini meatloaf muffins to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 489 kcal per serving
Variations
- Turkey Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- BBQ Flavor: Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
- Cheese Mix: Use mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack instead of cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well in this recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day ahead and reheat them before serving.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, if you’re short on time, instant mashed potatoes can be a quick alternative.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of saltine crackers.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans complement these meatloaf muffins perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes! Shredded carrots or zucchini add moisture and extra nutrition.
Can I cook these in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes for smaller portions.
How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Add butter, heavy cream, or cream cheese for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?
Broil the muffins for 2-3 minutes after baking for a golden, bubbly cheese layer.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative for the mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Mini meatloaf muffins with mashed potato frosting are a fun, delicious twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a party, these savory muffins are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy a comforting, bite-sized version of meatloaf!
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Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Savory mini meatloaf muffins baked to perfection, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and cheddar—a fun, delicious twist on comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed saltine crackers
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, crushed crackers, onion, bell pepper, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, black pepper, and seasoned salt until well combined.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine ketchup and brown sugar.
- Assemble Muffins: Spoon the ketchup mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, then fill each with the meat mixture, leaving about ½-inch space at the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (160°F/70°C internal temperature).
- Add Mashed Potatoes and Cheese: Drain any excess fat, then top each muffin with mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake Again: Return to the oven for 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let muffins cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Use a piping bag for mashed potatoes to create a “frosting” effect.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
