Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Cupcakes

You are probably thinking that the words "meatloaf" and "cupcakes" should not be used in the same sentence, let alone in the same recipe title. Have no fear, these are just mini-meatloaves topped with mashed potatoes. They just look like cupcakes.

You can use your own recipes for meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but I'll provide basic ones as well. Simply bake the meatloaf in a cupcake pan. For an extra surprise, inject some ketchup or BBQ sauce into the center of the meatloaf using a small piping tip before baking them. Once slightly cooled, top your meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting using a large piping tip, an ice cream scoop, or a spatula.

Basic Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, chopped small
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped small
• 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon pepper

1. Saute the onion and pepper in cooking oil until soft. Allow to cool. 
2. Mix together sauteed vegetables, ground beef, egg, panko, salt, and pepper, being careful to not over-mix.
3. Place meat mixture into cupcake tins and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the meatloaves reach 165 degrees. 
4. Remove from cupcake tin and place on paper towels to absorb excess fat.

Basic Mashed Potato Ingredients:

• 5 medium yellow or red potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender.
2. Put potatoes through a ricer for perfectly smooth consistency. 
3. Mix in cream, butter, and salt and pepper to taste.