Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting: The Cutest Comfort Food Ever

Comfort food doesn’t have to be boring—and these adorable Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting prove it. Packed with juicy, savory flavor and topped with creamy mashed potatoes piped like frosting, these muffin tin meatloaves are a fun twist on the traditional Sunday night meal.

Perfect for kids, parties, or weeknight dinners, they’re easy to portion, fast to bake, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers classic comfort in the cutest form possible.

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Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Muffins

✔️ Perfectly portioned & kid-friendly
✔️ Bakes faster than a whole loaf
✔️ Freezer & meal-prep friendly
✔️ Topped with creamy, fluffy mashed potato “frosting”
✔️ Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners

You’ll never look at meatloaf the same way again.

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What You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)

For the Mashed Potato “Frosting”:

• 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk (adjust as needed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)

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How to Make Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment muffin wrappers.

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Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Mix gently just until combined.

👩‍🍳 Tip: Avoid overmixing for tender, juicy meatloaf.

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Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing down slightly. Optional: add a small spoonful of ketchup on top of each mini loaf before baking.

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Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Muffins

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from tin.

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Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the meatloaves bake, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–18 minutes). Drain and return to pot. Mash with butter, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Season to taste.

🥄 Tip: Add extra sour cream or milk for ultra-pipeable mashed potatoes.

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Step 6: Frost the Muffins

Transfer mashed potatoes to a piping bag with a star tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Pipe the “frosting” onto each meatloaf muffin.

Garnish with chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm!

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Why This Recipe Works

• Muffin tins cook faster than traditional loaf pans and create crispy edges on every serving.
• Piping mashed potatoes mimics frosting for a playful presentation that kids (and adults!) love.
• Customizable: Easily switch up ingredients for dietary needs or flavor twists.

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Variations to Try

🧀 Cheesy Filling: Add a cube of cheddar or mozzarella in the center of each muffin.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped: Line the muffin cup with a slice of bacon before filling with meat.
🌿 Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the meat mixture.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Use spicy ketchup or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic to the mash for extra depth.

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What to Serve With Meatloaf Muffins

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Garden salad with vinaigrette
• Cornbread muffins or dinner rolls
• A drizzle of gravy or tomato sauce on top

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Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store the extras!

To Store:
Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight container
Freezer: Freeze fully assembled muffins without mashed topping for up to 3 months

To Reheat:
Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 1–2 minutes, covered

To Freeze with Mashed Topping: Pipe mashed potatoes after muffins are cool. Freeze in muffin tin, then transfer to bags. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

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Fun for Kids & Parties

🎉 These are perfect for birthdays or themed dinner nights!
🧁 Serve on cupcake liners with mini forks
💡 Let kids “decorate” their meatloaf muffins with potato and toppings
👩‍🍳 Great for cooking with kids—let them mash and mix!

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FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Substitute 1:1. Add a little extra olive oil or shredded zucchini for moisture.

Do I have to pipe the mashed potatoes?
Nope! You can spoon them on or spread with a small spatula.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, in a pinch. Try to use a buttery or sour cream-enhanced version for best flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats. Check all condiments for gluten content.

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Final Thoughts

Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting aren’t just adorable—they’re the ultimate comfort food remix. All the hearty satisfaction of traditional meatloaf, made fast, fun, and freezer-friendly. The fluffy mashed potato “frosting” takes this dish from rustic to restaurant-worthy (without the price tag).

Once you try them, you’ll never go back to loaf pans again.

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