Kids are a funny bunch. They can be the pickiest eaters on the planet and forget trying to get them to eat any vegetables. These kid friendly meatloaf muffins are a perfect way to make a classic dinner more kid friendly!
My kids love finger foods of just about any type. I decided to try and make a few of favorite homemade meals into a more kid friendly size. When the macaroni and cheese “cupcakes” were such a big hit, I decided to try turning our regular meatloaf into little muffins. {You can call them cupcakes if you want because most kids will eat anything that is called a cupcake.}
I typically don’t like the term “kid friendly food” because it refers to a set of foods that are typically tasteless and majorly lacking in nutrition. Think: chicken nuggets, hot dogs and the link. Here, I’m referring to something a litte different: size and shape!
A great thing about meatloaf is that it is pretty easy to hide additional vegetables in the mixture. These have carrots in them but you could also throw in zucchini or another squash too. Just finely chop or shred it and add to the pan when sweating the onions.
I use an ice cream scoop to put the mixture into my muffin tin but a spoon works fine too. The little silicone cupcake lines are perfect for getting the meatloaf muffins out easily.
These bake in less than 30 minutes which is super fast compared to traditional meatloaf. When I am doing Sunday meal prep, I get them all assembled and then just keep them in the fridge until I am ready to bake. You can also freeze them prior to baking too.
For a little fun, we will do mashed potato frosting on top. Of course, it is totally optional.
If you like these kid friendly meatloaf muffins, be sure to try:
Essential Items Needed for this Recipe:
If you make these kid friendly meatloaf muffins, I’d love to hear to about it. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter.
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/2 carrot finely chopped
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup divided
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 2 Tbsp mustard
- 2 tsp worchestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup prepared mashed potatoes
- 2 Tbsp milk
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1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cups of muffin tin with cooking spray or use silicone cupcake liners.
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2) In a pan coated with cooking spray, saute onion, carrot, garlic and oregano for 5 minutes or until softened. Remove from heat and cool.
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3) In a large bowl, combine beef or turkey, 1/2 cup ketchup, and all other ingredients {through eggs}. Mix well to combine. The easiest way to do this is with your hands so go ahead and plan to get them a little messy.
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4) Using an ice cream scooper {or large spoon}, fill muffin cups 3/4 full with meatloaf mixture. Divide remaining ketchup evenly on the tops of the muffins. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
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5) If using the frosting, mix the mashed potatoes with 2 Tbsp of milk. “Frost” the top of the meatloaf muffins with the mashed potato mixture before serving.
Those are SO awesome!! I loved that you put mashed potatoes on top like the icing…so creative. Feel free to stop by my link party and share some of your fantastic recipes!
Happy Valley Chow recently posted…Keep Calm it’s Hump Day #1
Thanks! My kids love cupcakes so I thought making these little meatloaves into things that looked like cupcakes would be super fun.
This is a great idea! I am sure my kid will love it!
Annie recently posted…Cinderella Dress for Little Momo
Thanks! Definitely give it a try. I bet the kids will love it.
Brilliant idea! I love how the mashed potatoes look like frosting!
Tonia@thegunnysack recently posted…Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears Recipe
Thanks! The kids loved the “frosting” on the top too. It definitely made them more fun to eat.
SO FUN! And so delicious too, I am for sure pinning this and can’t wait to try it 🙂
Hannah ♫
Sew Lah Tea Dough
Hannah recently posted…♫ High Five to my students! ♫
Thanks! The kids {and adults} around here really love these. The little bit of “frosting” makes them feel like a treat vs. dinner.
I’m pinning! Cute idea – I thank you! Julia
Thanks! They are definitely a kid favorite around our house.
How adorable (and delicious looking, too!), I love the “frosting” on top!! Super cute!
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What a great way to put a creative spin on meatloaf! It looks so good! I’m stopping by from Tatertots & Jello (#86 DIY Photo Canvas and #115 Spend A Little & Invest In Yourself) Have a great weekend!
Carrie from Carrie This Home recently posted…Spend A Little & Invest In Yourself
Thanks! The kids really love the idea that they are cupcakes with frosting. They are always a huge hit.
This is amazing! I love turkey meatloaf. I’ve gotta try this with my kids. Thank you so much for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jamie @
Better With Age
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This is always a hit with kids around our house. Let me know what you think when you try it.
You make me want to lick my screen. Those look amazing! Now, i must say that I won’t be piping on the potatoes all nicely, as a big dollop would work just as well in my house 🙂
Found you on Make it Pretty Monday.
Ali @ craftyWImama recently posted…Starting A Second Blog – Budget Wedding
This is such a great idea! Can’t wait to make these and see how much my kids will love it. Thanks!