why make this recipe
Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes are the perfect dish to celebrate Halloween. They are fun, easy to prepare, and sure to impress your guests—especially the kids! The meatloaf cupcakes look delightful and taste delicious, while the ghostly mashed potatoes add a spooky touch to your meal. This recipe combines festive creativity with comfort food, making it a great choice for a Halloween party, family gathering, or just a fun night in.
how to make Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for glazing, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based alternative), more as needed
- Salt to taste
- Candy eyes, black sesame seeds, or peppercorns (for faces)
- Ketchup or BBQ sauce for brushing tops before baking
Directions:
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone cups.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, oats or breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—do not overwork.
- Divide the mixture among muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full. Optionally, brush the tops with ketchup or BBQ sauce for a glaze.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (160°F for beef, 165°F for poultry). Let them rest for 5 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and pipeable (not runny).
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe tall swirls onto each meatloaf cupcake to form “ghosts.”
- Add eyes using candy eyes, black sesame seeds, or peppercorns. Serve warm.
how to serve Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes
These meatloaf cupcakes can be served directly from the muffin tin for a fun presentation. Place them on a festive platter and enjoy them alongside a salad or your favorite veggie side. You can also sprinkle some extra candy eyes for a spooky effect!
how to store Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes
To store leftovers, place the meatloaf cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes
- Ensure the meat mixture is not overworked to keep the cupcakes tender.
- Use a piping bag to create the ghost shapes; this helps in achieving the best look.
- Experiment with different toppings for the ghosts, like fresh herbs or edible glitter for extra fun!
variation
You can use different types of ground meat, like chicken or pork, for diverse flavors. If you want a healthier twist, add finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I make these meatloaf cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and pipe the mashed potatoes in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before baking.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of milk.
3. Can I customize the toppings for the ghosts?
Absolutely! Get creative with toppings. You can use olives, cheese, or even small pieces of vegetables to make different ghost faces!
Scary-Good Halloween Meatloaf Cupcakes with Ghost Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Fun and spooky meatloaf cupcakes topped with ghostly mashed potatoes, perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for glazing, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based alternative), more as needed
- Salt to taste
- Candy eyes, black sesame seeds, or peppercorns (for faces)
- Ketchup or BBQ sauce for brushing tops before baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone cups.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, oats or breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—do not overwork.
- Divide the mixture among muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full. Optionally, brush the tops with ketchup or BBQ sauce for a glaze.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (160°F for beef, 165°F for poultry). Let them rest for 5 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt until smooth and pipeable.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe tall swirls onto each meatloaf cupcake to form “ghosts.”
- Add eyes using candy eyes, black sesame seeds, or peppercorns. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the meat mixture is not overworked for tender cupcakes. Use a piping bag for the best ghost shapes and get creative with different toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American