Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes combine comfort food flavors in a fun and presentable way. This recipe takes traditional meatloaf and elevates it with smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes, transforming it into delightful, individual portions. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a fun party appetizer, or just when you want something unexpectedly delicious, these meatloaf cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 390
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 22 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Sodium: 720 mg

Why Make This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

This dish is a whimsical twist on classic meatloaf, designed to please both kids and adults alike. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce and bourbon adds depth to the flavor while the crispy bacon brings an irresistible crunch. These meatloaf cupcakes allow for personal servings, making them ideal for entertaining. They’re easy to prepare and visually striking, bringing a touch of gourmet flair to a beloved comfort food dish.

How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (finely diced, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 12 slices bacon (regular cut, not thick-cut)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp bourbon (or apple juice for an alcohol-free version)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1/2 cup milk (warmed)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper (to taste for mashed potatoes)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this makes the meatloaf tough.

Step 3: Cooking

Press the meat mixture firmly into each muffin cup, filling to the top and creating a slight dome shape. Wrap one slice of bacon around the circumference of each meatloaf cupcake like a belt, tucking the ends underneath to secure. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the bacon is crispy. About 10 minutes into baking, start your potatoes by boiling the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender.

Step 4: Finishing

While the cupcakes bake, prepare the bourbon BBQ glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease from the muffin tin using a spoon. Brush the tops generously with the bourbon BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the glaze looks sticky and slightly darkened. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash with warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick enough to hold soft peaks when lifted with a spoon. Let the baked meatloaf cupcakes cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows juices to redistribute and makes them easier to remove from the tin. Transfer the mashed potato frosting to a pastry bag or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe or spoon the frosting onto the top of each meatloaf cupcake. Drizzle with any remaining BBQ glaze and serve warm.

How to Serve Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

These meatloaf cupcakes shine when paired with a side salad, coleslaw, or steamed veggies, offering a balanced meal. For a fun touch, serve them with additional BBQ sauce on the side or set up a mini topping bar with chopped herbs, cheese, or pickles for guests to customize their servings.

How to Store Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

Allow any leftover meatloaf cupcakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option.

Expert Tips for Perfect Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

• Use ground beef with a fat ratio of 80/20 for juiciness; leaner blends may dry out.
• Don’t pack the meat mixture too tightly when filling the muffin tin; a light touch preserves tenderness.
• Cooking times may vary based on the oven; always check internal temperature to ensure safety.
• Mix and match toppings for your mashed potatoes; try using sour cream, cream cheese, or green onions for a twist.

Delicious Variations

1. Turkey Meatloaf Cupcakes: Substitute turkey for ground beef for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly treat.
3. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for heat.
4. Cheesy Surprise: Add shredded cheese into the meat mixture or at the center of each cupcake for a gooey bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these meatloaf cupcakes ahead of time?
  Yes! Prepare the meat mixture and fill the muffin tin. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.

• What can I serve with these meatloaf cupcakes?
  Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, corn, or seasonal veggies for a complete meal.

• What can I use instead of bourbon?
  Apple juice makes a delicious, alcohol-free substitute that maintains the dish’s sweetness.

• Can I freeze leftover cupcakes?
  Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to use.

• Are these cupcakes suitable for kids?
  Yes! Kids love the fun presentation, and you can adjust the BBQ sauce to their palate for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes are not just a meal; they are an experience filled with delightful flavors, textures, and the joy of eating with your hands. Whether for a special occasion or a family dinner, make this recipe your go-to for delectable comfort food that wins hearts and appetites. Don’t hesitate to try making these scrumptious cupcakes—you’ll love the compliments you receive! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

Delightful individual portions of meatloaf with smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper (finely diced, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 12 slices bacon (regular cut, not thick-cut)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp bourbon (or apple juice for an alcohol-free version)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1/2 cup milk (warmed)
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper (to taste for mashed potatoes)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko, onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined.
3. Press the meat mixture into each muffin cup, wrap bacon around the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Prepare BBQ glaze by simmering BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and vinegar.
6. Brush glaze on baked cupcakes and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Cool briefly before piping mashed potatoes on top of each cupcake and drizzle with remaining BBQ glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg