Meatloaf Cupcakes with Whipped Potato Topping

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For the Whipped Potato Topping:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, grated carrot, chopped celery, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Meatloaf Cupcakes: Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it down gently to fill each cup completely.
4. Bake Meatloaf Cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf cupcakes are cooked through and the tops are slightly browned.
5. Prepare Potato Topping: While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
6. Whip Potatoes: Add the milk and butter to the cooked potatoes and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Top Meatloaf Cupcakes: Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Using a piping bag or a spoon, top each meatloaf cupcake with a generous dollop of whipped potatoes.
8. Optional Broil: For a golden brown finish, place the topped meatloaf cupcakes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the potato topping is lightly browned.
9. Serve: Remove the meatloaf cupcakes from the muffin tin and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meatloaf cupcakes with whipped potato topping!

Tips:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in some shredded cheese with the potatoes for a cheesy topping.
• Make-Ahead: These meatloaf cupcakes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.