Meatloaf...It's what's for dinner ;)

How cute and yummy are these cupcake meatloaf's? This hands on recipe is simple and great to teach your little one the essentials of cooking. Everyone has their own special way of doing meatloaf but my version is quick and easy. 

Meatloaf Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (extra lean is great)

1 Packet of dry onion soup mix

2 large eggs

1 cup bread crumbs

1 cup ketchup

Cooking spray

Mashed Potatoes

4 cups potato of your choice (sweet potato works great too)

1/4 cup Sour Cream

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Get a mixing bowl and place the raw ground beef in bowl (if your child is helping you I recommend they put cooking gloves or just wash hands before and after dealing with the raw meat). Add onion mix, ketchup, eggs and bread crumb to beef. Now comes the fun part for the kids...hands all in and mix the ingredients together. If you feel the meat is a bit watery just add more bread crumbs. Once everything is mixed together prepare the cupcake tin. 

Add cooking spray to the cupcake pan or just place cupcake liners. I usually use an ice cream scoop to help me get the same portions distributed throughout the pan plus its easier for the kids.

 You can add more ketchup on top if you'd like or even Campbell tomato soup. Place in 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Now since you have the free time work on making the mash potatoes. Peel and cut your potatoes as you normally do. For quicker cooking time cut potatoes small.

 Add to pot filled with water (make sure to add salt to add flavor while it cooks) and bring to a boil for  10 minutes or until soft. When cooked drain water and place potato in bowl. If you have  a handheld blender great! If not just use a fork or potato masher. Then add sour cream, black pepper, butter, milk, garlic powder and parmesan cheese. Mix well and taste to make sure it's at the flavor you desire. 

If you want the meatloaf to look as pictured at the beginning of the blog place the mash potato in a pastry bag with a wide star tip and pipe the potato on top of the meatloaf. I usually top my potato with chives and extra parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless.

My inspiration for this recipe and photo credit is from: http://firstlookthencook.com/2011/11/02/meatloaf-cupcakes/