Ingredients:

  • 900 g Ground Beef (85-90% lean)
  • 120 g Breadcrumbs (Panko or standard)
  • 120 ml Milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 120 g Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 15 g Garlic (minced)
  • 15 ml Worcestershire Sauce
  • 5 ml Dried Thyme or Oregano
  • 7 g Kosher Salt
  • 1 g Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 80 ml Ketchup
  • 30 g Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 5 ml Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 kg Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and quartered)
  • 113 g Unsalted Butter
  • 120 ml Heavy Cream
  • Salt (Kosher) to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease the 12 cups of a standard muffin tin. Begin boiling the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are softened. Add the ground beef, egg, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, stopping immediately once combined to avoid overmixing, which results in a tough texture.
  4. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, gently pressing the meat down to ensure a uniform shape.
  5. Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to prepare the tangy glaze.
  6. Bake the meatloaf cupcakes for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush a generous layer of the glaze over the top of each loaf, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F) and the glaze is caramelized.
  7. Remove the meatloaves and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Drain any excess fat accumulated in the muffin tin before unmolding.
  8. Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the pot, add the butter and heavy cream. Use a ricer or masher to break them down, then vigorously whip them until light, fluffy, and smooth enough to pipe. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  9. Transfer the warm mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe generous swirls onto the cooled meatloaf cupcakes, mimicking frosting. Serve immediately.