Savory Ranch Cupcake Meatloaf with Cheesy Surprises
Discover a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf with our Savory Ranch Cupcake Meatloaf, a unique and fun recipe that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters! Each cupcake is generously packed with a medley of hidden vegetables and a treasure trove of gooey melted cheese, making it a nutritious option that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Topped with a sweet and tangy tomato glaze, these satisfying meatloaf cupcakes can be made ahead of time and are perfect for freezing—ideal for those busy weekdays or for a hearty lunch at work. Perfectly portioned, they offer a wonderful way to sneak in those extra veggies while delivering maximum flavor in every bite! Whether for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, these cupcakes will definitely be the star of the show.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
baby carrots
4 ounces (finely minced)
button mushrooms
8 ounces (finely minced)
onions
6 ounces (rough chopped and finely minced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
tomato paste
5 tablespoons (separated)
fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (fresh)
frozen corn
1 cup (thawed)
ground pork
10 ounces (raw)
ground beef
1 pound (raw)
eggs
2 (beaten)
breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (to taste)
hot sauce
to taste
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing and Seasoning Mix
1 ounce (divided)
mozzarella cheese
9 ounces (for stuffing)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
9 ounces (for those who like it hot)
shallot
1 (minced)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ranch Cupcake Meatloaf with Cheesy Surprises?
It is a creative twist on traditional meatloaf where individual portions are baked in cupcake form, featuring hidden vegetables, a melted cheese center, and a savory ranch flavor profile.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 10 ounces of ground pork and 1 pound of ground beef for a balanced texture and flavor.
Which vegetables are hidden in the meatloaf cupcakes?
The recipe includes finely minced baby carrots, button mushrooms, onions, garlic, and corn.
What provides the ranch flavor in this recipe?
The signature flavor comes from a 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix.
What are the 'Cheesy Surprises' inside?
The cupcakes are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a gooey, melted center.
Is this meatloaf recipe spicy?
It can be adjusted to your preference; it includes Monterey Jack pepper cheese for those who like heat and hot sauce can be added to taste.
What kind of glaze is used on top?
The cupcakes are topped with a sweet and tangy tomato glaze made from tomato paste and brown sugar.
Can I freeze these meatloaf cupcakes?
Yes, these are designed as freezer-friendly meals, making them perfect for future busy weekdays.
How do I prepare the vegetables for this recipe?
The baby carrots, mushrooms, and onions should be finely minced or rough chopped to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meat.
Are there breadcrumbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3/4 cup of plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf together.
How many eggs are needed?
Two beaten eggs are used as a binding agent for the meatloaf mixture.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of button mushrooms, finely minced.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, these cupcakes are ideal for make-ahead meal prep and can be stored for later use.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the cupcake portioning and 'hidden' vegetables make it a fun and nutritious option that even picky eaters usually enjoy.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves to enhance the savory flavor.
How much garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the butter in the recipe?
One tablespoon of melted butter is included, likely for sautéing the minced vegetables or adding richness to the mix.
What other sauces are used to flavor the meat?
Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce are added to the mixture to provide depth and a bit of a kick.
Do I use fresh or frozen corn?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen corn, which should be thawed before being added to the mixture.
How much cheese is needed total?
You will need 9 ounces of mozzarella cheese and 9 ounces of Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
What role does the shallot play?
One minced shallot is added to the ingredient list to provide a delicate, sweet onion flavor.
How is the tomato paste divided?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of tomato paste in total, which are separated for use in both the meatloaf mix and the topping glaze.
Why is it called a 'healthy meal' tag?
Because it incorporates a significant amount of minced vegetables (carrots, mushrooms, onions) into the meat, increasing the nutrient density.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Yes, their individual portion sizes make them a perfect star dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Is the Ranch seasoning mixed into the meat?
Yes, the 1 ounce of Ranch seasoning is divided, typically for use within the meat mixture and potentially the topping.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While mozzarella and pepper jack are recommended for the 'surprise' center, you could substitute with other melting cheeses like cheddar.
How do you make the glaze sweet?
The sweetness in the tomato glaze comes from the addition of 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The 6 ounces of onions should be both rough chopped and finely minced to provide varying textures.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
Yes, it contains butter and two types of cheese (mozzarella and Monterey Jack).
How are the carrots prepared?
The 4 ounces of baby carrots should be finely minced so they blend into the meat and are 'hidden' from picky eaters.