Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe

Name: Meatloaf Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup crushed saltine crackers; 0.5 cup chopped onion; 0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper; 0.33333334326744 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 0.5 cup ketchup; 0.5 cup brown sugar; 4 cups mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 pound ground beef
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
cup chopped onion
cup chopped green bell pepper
cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
cup ketchup
cup brown sugar
4 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, chopped onion, green bell pepper, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, chopped garlic, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
In a separate small bowl, stir together the ketchup and brown sugar to form a smooth mixture.
Place a spoonful of the ketchup mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup in a 6-cup muffin tin, spreading it evenly.
Next, spoon the beef mixture into each muffin cup, filling them nearly to the top but leaving about inch of space at the top.
Bake the muffin tin in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink in the center. To ensure it's fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center, which should read at least 160F (70C).
Once cooked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and drain any excess fat from the muffin cups.
Top each "cupcake" with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	489
Total Fat	21g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	9g (47% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	100mg (33% Daily Value)
Sodium	1122mg (49% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	54g (20% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	3g (11% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	20g
Protein	23g (45% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	24mg (26% Daily Value)
Calcium	230mg (18% Daily Value)
Iron	3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium	769mg (16% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Meatloaf cupcakes are a delightful take on the traditional meatloaf, transforming a hearty meal into a fun and visually appealing dish. This innovative recipe bakes meatloaf in muffin cups, topped with mashed potatoes that resemble frosting, creating a dish that looks like cupcakes but is full of savory flavor.

History of Meatloaf Cupcakes

While meatloaf has been a staple of American cuisine for decades, the concept of "meatloaf cupcakes" is a more recent twist. This playful presentation began to gain popularity in the early 2000s, especially in home kitchens and family-style restaurants. The idea was to create a more fun, portable version of meatloaf, particularly appealing to children and picky eaters. The mashed potatoes on top, often piped with a pastry bag to resemble frosting, further enhance the dish's whimsical appeal. The concept also works well for portion control, making it easier to serve individual servings while adding a creative flair to the dinner table.

Regional Variations

While meatloaf itself is widely recognized in the United States, the "cupcake" variation doesnt have a specific regional origin but is rather a creative innovation that has spread across the country. In different areas, people experiment with various flavors for the meatloaf mixture and toppings. For example, some may add BBQ sauce or mix in a variety of vegetables like carrots or peas. In the southern U.S., where mashed potatoes are a common side dish, this recipe is often seen as a perfect combination of two classic comfort foods. Variations might include the use of ground turkey instead of beef or the addition of spices that reflect the regions culinary preferences.

Differences from Other Meatloaf Dishes

The meatloaf cupcake is different from traditional meatloaf in both presentation and portioning. Whereas classic meatloaf is typically baked as a loaf in a single pan, the cupcake version is baked in muffin tins, providing individual servings that are easy to serve and eat. The key distinction is the mashed potatoes "frosting" on top, which gives the dish a fun and playful appearance, making it feel like a dessert. This makes meatloaf cupcakes an ideal choice for parties or occasions like April Fools' Day, where the presentation adds an element of surprise.

Where Meatloaf Cupcakes Are Served

Meatloaf cupcakes are a popular choice for family dinners, especially when serving children. Their fun, cupcake-like appearance makes them a hit at parties or gatherings, where guests might appreciate the novelty. These individual-sized portions also work well for meal prepping, as they can be easily stored and reheated. Some restaurants with a focus on comfort food may offer these as a special or in kid-friendly menu options. Additionally, these cupcakes are often seen at potluck dinners, where their creative presentation sets them apart from more traditional casseroles or side dishes.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf Cupcakes

The idea of "frosting" savory foods, like mashed potatoes, to resemble dessert is part of a larger trend of "dessert-style" meals, where foods are styled to look like sweets.
Meatloaf cupcakes are perfect for portion control, as each "cupcake" is an individual serving of both meatloaf and mashed potatoes, which can help with managing portions at large family meals.
Some creative variations of the recipe use different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, instead of the traditional beef. Others mix in bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
They are particularly popular with children due to their playful appearance, making them a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen and interested in cooking.
While these cupcakes might look like a dessert, they are completely savory, often served with a side of vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.

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FAQ about Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe

Leftover meatloaf cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze meatloaf cupcakes! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf cupcakes a day in advance. Assemble them according to the recipe and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to cook, bake as instructed, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.

If you don't have saltine crackers, you can substitute with breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels, or crushed panko breadcrumbs. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if using a saltier option like pretzels.

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork as an alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey and chicken may cook faster than beef, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

If you'd prefer not to use mashed potatoes, you can top the meatloaf cupcakes with a variety of alternatives such as cauliflower mash, a mixture of cheese and sour cream, or even a simple drizzle of gravy.

If your mashed potatoes are too runny, you can add more mashed potato flakes to thicken them up. Alternatively, cook them a little longer on the stove to evaporate excess moisture before using them as a topping.

To make your meatloaf cupcakes spicier, add ingredients like red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also spice up the ketchup topping with a bit of sriracha or chili powder.

Yes, you can use a larger muffin pan, such as a 12-cup pan, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Smaller portions may cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.

The ketchup and brown sugar mixture adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf cupcakes, but it's optional. You can substitute with barbecue sauce, a tomato-based sauce, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a less sweet topping.

Comments

Bambam

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This are really good and fun! I used a 12-cup cupcake pan. Even following the recipe, there was too much mixture to make only 6. The mixture filled 8 of the cups. I assume a 6-cup muffin tin has larger cups (like jumbo muffins) than my 12-cup pan. I ended up putting the mashed potatoes on the side (with gravy). My young grandbaby doesn't like her food to "touch" anything else on her plate so I thought the potatoes on the side would be best for her. Unfortunately, she had seen me add the onions and green pepper to the mixture while she was doing her homework so she pretty much nixed them before they were even on the table. Although these did not please the picky child, the rest of us enjoyed them very much! I received repeated compliments on these meatloaf cupcakes. I will definitely make them again. I will probably double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a future meal. Thanks for the recipe, matykada!

SunnyDaysNora

12/31/2014 09:02:14 AM

The meatloaf was EXCELLENT but the sauce was lacking. It was so overly sweet and lacking any balance. I added 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp roasted garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp seasoned salt. Next time I'll cut the sugar way back, at least in half if not more. I would recommend using thicker potatoes for this as I tried to be lazy with instant potatoes and they never really set up on top of the "cupcake."

Texasgal_Momma

07/25/2015 02:37:53 PM

Didn't have the 6-cup pan, so I used my 12-cup muffin pan instead. I doubled the recipe so I ended up with 21 'cupcakes'. Didn't have any issues with the potatoes staying on top, I used boxed but made with whipping cream vs milk (3 cups of flakes) so maybe my mp were a bit thicker than normal. Omitted green bell peppers because I didn't have any on hand (bummer). Cooked for 20-25 minutes, drained fat, added mp and cheese ('icing and sprinkles' according to the kids) then popped them back in for about another 10 minutes. Yummy. Everyone wanted seconds. Served with green beans on the side.

Sarah Nebeker Dickinson

04/07/2019 02:56:55 PM

I loved making this for April Fool’s Day! I used BBQ sauce inside the cupcake liners. I also used my cake decorating tools to make the mashed potatoes look like real frosting.

George

04/01/2015 09:39:54 AM

Loved them. To deal with Angela's problem; I put the mashed potatoes in a pastry bag and used the largest tip I had. A little finely shredded Wisconsin sharp cheddar on the top and you have a tasty and nice looking meal. Oh, and with 4 grandsons...ya gotta use a 12 cup muffin tin and double the recipe. (;o)

green cheese

02/02/2017 06:08:38 PM

ha, ha, ha. but jokes aside, the meatloaf was actually delicious. 1) cut down sugar & add 1/2 t garlic powder, 2) DRAIN juices immediately after cooking or will make paper cups soggy and give away the secret, 3)mashed potato icing is not so tedious if you add extra (room temperature) butter

Deborah

09/26/2016 01:30:14 AM

Overall, this was a pretty good recipe. My family enjoyed it (well, not my picky son, but he doesn't like anything, so he doesn't really count). My husband rated it as a "do again!" Next time, however, I'll probably mix the ketchup/sugar mixture in and perhaps include vinegar with it or less sugar. It was a big too sweet and putting it at the bottom was awkward. I'll also mix the cheese in rather than sprinkle on top. I used breadcrumbs instead of saltines, and used a piping bag and large tip for piping the mashed potatoes on. Like other people, this recipe seemed to make much more than six. I ended up getting 11 out of it. Certainly not something to complain about! Aside from those few odd things, this recipe is quite a good one and I'll be using it again with these few differences.

Elizabeth

04/25/2017 10:52:42 PM

I made a few changes. I had a total of 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef and an additional pound of Italian sausage sweet and spicy. Add all other ingredients accordingly. This made 14 cupcakes. Instead of the Worcestershire sauce I used 1 TBS Red Wine Vinegar and 1 TBS soy sauce. The final step of the ketchup/ brown sugar mixture I placed a heaping TBS on top of the cupcake not on the bottom. For the Mashed tater frosting I used 1/2 potatoes and 1/2 sweet potatoes. This recipe is delicious, entertaining and clever!!!!

Laura Dayok

08/11/2017 12:22:32 AM

If the sauce hadn't been so sweet it'd be 5 stars. I made mine with turkey because that's what my husband prefers. I cut the sugar in the sauce in half and felt it was still a bit sweet. I also added Worcestershire sauce to the sauce to give it more of a BBQ flavor. I also did some with cheese and some without. The cheese didn't seem to make it better. Next time I'll just add Parmesan cheese to the potatoes as I whip them.

grampnana

09/21/2016 01:10:52 AM

I put this together and refrigerated early in the day - mixing all meatloaf ingredients in large baggie, peeling and cutting potatoes and placing in pot of water, and mixing the sauce. I replaced the saltines with oatmeal, as we did not have any crackers in house. Cut the sugar way down and used coconut sugar, not brown. When ready to cook, lined the 8 muffin tins with paper liners before following with directions. Cooked 30 minutes, topped with the mashed potatoes, and upped the oven to 450 to crisp the tops of the potatoes, as i was not trying to pass off as a dessert and did not use the cheese. Very easy, yummy and a great way to proportion dinner. Hubs ate two and took two for his lunch at work. Thanks for sharing!

Jenn

09/21/2020 07:17:30 PM

These were great! I used turkey instead of beef and frosted them with the potatoes. It cut cooking time down substantially. Everyone loved!

ChillyGum6050

03/22/2025 06:39:59 PM

I loved this actually, but it was way to sweet for me. My husband enjoyed it. I think I will make it again and not use the sugar.

Patricia Brown

12/17/2024 02:26:29 AM

Simple ingredients, amazing result.

LizzardFons

05/24/2024 05:22:31 PM

I used my own meatloaf recipe, but this is such a fun idea! I left a hollow 'well' in each muffin and put a surprise gravy filling before topping with mashed potatoes and cheese sprinkles. Also, instead of the tomato at the base, I actually served these from a rectangular slow cooker with a base of gravy.

skewtour

03/09/2023 01:30:41 AM

I substituted panko for the saltines because a member of our household struggles with high blood pressure.

Kate

02/04/2022 04:22:42 AM

Everyone loved it. I have two very picky nephew's and they loved it so much they are already asking me to make it again. This recipe is a keeper.

Karen Graham

06/24/2021 11:58:46 PM

I added a little bit of Nougat to the cupcake and it turned out looking like this. ABSOLUTE FAIL. It looks nothing like the picture you showed. Thanks a lot KAREN.

Paul Kasiola

03/11/2021 12:19:03 AM

Made and enjoyed it. It was fun. 2 changes I made was I did not make it in tins so I did not use the ketchup and brown sugar. I also used panko instead of crackers. It came out great and shared it with the family and they got a good laugh out of it but also enjoyed it. With make it again.