Meatloaf Cupcakes

Anyone who knows me know that I'm not really a fan of meatloaf.  I just don't "get" eating a loaf of meat.  Smothered in ketchup.  LOL.  Please don't be offended...I am sure there are things that I LOVE that you don't.  It's all good! 

I'm not a huge meat eater as it is, BUT I'm married to a transplant from Alberta...and, well, that's beef country.  While I would be happy with salad and lighter fare most of the time, that doesn't please my hubby's palate.  Throw in the fact that our oldest loves meatloaf (it's "their" thing when I am not going to be home for dinner) so when I came across this recipe, I thought I had better give it a try.  Plus...the meatloaves turn out to look like cupcakes...that in itself is a selling feature for me! :-)  Here is the recipe:

Meatloaf Cupcakes

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrot, washed, peeled and finely chopped
1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef
1 cup Panko
2 tablespoons mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs

Mashed Potato Icing & Toppings
Potatoes
Milk
Butter
Cream Cheese
Pepper
Garlic

Bacon (cooked and chopped), or bacon bits
Chives, chopped

Preheat your oven to 350.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet.  Add in the onion, carrot, oregano and garlic.  Saute for 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled onion mixture, 1/2 cup ketchup, ground beef, Panko, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and eggs.  Use your hands to mix these ingredients well.

Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.

Roll the meat mixture into large, muffin-sized balls and place into the muffin cups.  Shape the meatballs like cupcakes.  Top each cupcake with 2 teaspoons of ketchup. 

Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.  Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before removing from the tins.

While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare your mashed potatoes according to your favourite mashed potatoe recipe (mine always includes milk, butter and cream cheese). 

Once your cupcakes are ready to be "iced", set them out on a serving tray.  Scoop your mashed potatoes into a pastry bag and use the widest star tip that you have.  Pipe the potatoes on top of the cupcakes.  Note...allow your mashed potatoes to cool a bit before you start piping them (trust me!). 

Sprinkle with bacon and chives, and serve!

VERDICT
These were SUPER POPULAR with my boys.  I actually even enjoyed them as well, I think because it wasn't just a loaf of meat.  This way it was more of a meal...meat and potatoes...not just meat and ketchup!  While the piping does take a bit of time, it was still fun and a fun way to eat dinner.  We will do these again!

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