I know what you’re thinking… meatloaf cupcakes? Have I finally taken it too far?! Granted, frosted meat cupcakes may not sound like a treat, but this recipe takes plain ol’ meat and potatoes and makes them fun and appealing for kids.
If you have a picky eater (more on that topic here), you know you need every trick in the book. This is one cupcake I am OK with my kids eating… and so are they!
Cupcakes Made of… Meat?
This Paleo Parent recipe inspired my take on these meatloaf cupcakes. It is such a cute idea and the kids love the small size of these mini-meatloaves. Their recipe sneaks in some extra veggies right in the meatloaf mix (love that of course) and tops it with a tomato sauce.
My kids love sweet potatoes (as you might be able to tell from my many sweet potato recipes!) so I decided to mix it up and create a sweet potato “frosting.” The combination was an instant hit.
These mini-meatloaf cupcakes cook much faster than regular meatloaf which can take up to an hour or more. They also are easier for quick freezing or defrosting, packing for lunches, or taking on-the-go.
If you don’t have a muffin pan, my sweet potato Shepherd’s pie is another great option that cooks in a single pan. (I love this one for its easy clean-up and safe materials.)
Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp salt (divided)
- ¾ tsp black pepper (divided)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (or butter, +more for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Either put the sweet potatoes onto a baking sheet and roast them in the oven or peel, cube, and boil them until soft.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, finely dice the onion and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the ground beef, eggs, almond flour, basil, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and ½ teaspoon of the pepper and mix by hand until incorporated.
- Grease a muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
- Evenly divide the mixture into the muffin tins. If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can just press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 or 9x13 baking dish.
- Put the meat into the oven on the middle rack, and put a baking sheet with a rim under it in case the oil from the meat happens to spill over.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until not at all pink in the center.
- When the meat is almost done, make sure sweet potatoes are finished cooking, and drain the water if you boiled them.
- Put the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and add the oil or butter. Mix by hand or whip with an an immersion blender. Stir in the remaining salt and pepper.
- Remove the meat “cakes” from the oven when they are cooked through and remove from tin.
- Top each with a dollop of the mashed sweet potatoes to make it look like a cupcake. Sprinkle with chopped chives or other fresh herbs for the sprinkles!
Notes
Nutrition
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Another favorite around here is my Mocha Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting recipe.
Will you try meatloaf cupcakes? What other ways have you found to reinvent kid favorites with real food ingredients? Share below!
These were good and will be in
My daughter has an egg allergy. Any suggestions for a suitable substitute?
You can leave it out or add a couple tablespoons of ground up chia seeds
This recipe is going into a regular rotation at our house! I replaced the worcestershire sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar because I haven’t found a bottled sauce without “natural flavors” or soy. It worked great!
Can these be frozen and reheated later?
I haven’t tried, but I would think so
What an adorable idea! Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to make this. My boys are going to love this! So cute and creative! Blessings, Kelly
I would just shape them by hand so as to avoid meat swimming in rendered fat in the muffin tins. A good recipe will hold together.
I have been making meatloaf muffins for several years, they are a hit with my family! I have used ground buffalo, beef, and turkey and they have never been “swimming in rendered fat!” As long as you use a low fat meat, you won’t have that problem!
What is the calorie and carb count?
I don’t know. I don’t count either one, but it is high in nutrients 🙂
I am LOVING your paleo recipes! I’ve been using atleast one recipe of yours a week! Just made the meatloaf cupcakes…so yummy!! Thank you!
We just made these last night with 2lbs of beef…..and we only have two little muffins left! Delicious! It was a hit with my powerlifting hubby (who immediately wanted more for breakfast)! Since switching to your recipes and getting off grains, we’ve both noticed how we don’t bloat anymore and we really don’t even have a sweet tooth anymore either. Also, we eat less because we are eating so good. Tomorrow’s task = bone broth! You have literally saved our lives with your info. We are forever grateful! This recipe rocks!
Thanks! So glad it was a hit at your house!
*wipes drool off of keyboard* I really wish I saw these before today! I would totally make them for my son’s 2nd birthday. These look incredible!
Hahah! Loved this comment. 🙂 Just made this and it is in the oven, smells delicious!