Hey there, friend! First off, thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the internet — your visits, comments, and questions truly keep this kitchen humming with joy! If you’ve been craving something that’s hearty, playful, and anything but boring!! — you’re in for a treat today.
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes topped with fluffy mashed potato “frosting” are my new favorite twist on classic comfort food. They’re perfectly portioned, fun to serve, and downright irresistible. If you love meatloaf and you love bacon (who doesn’t?), you need these in your life.
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Meatloaf Cupcakes
Meatloaf cupcakes are exactly what they sound like — mini meatloaves baked in a muffin tin, wrapped in bacon, brushed with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, and crowned with swirls of creamy mashed potatoes.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Serve them for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or as a fun dinner party surprise — kids and adults alike will devour them. The smell when these are in the oven is incredible!!
Flavor-wise? Imagine tender, juicy meatloaf hugged in crispy bacon with a pop of sweet-smoky BBQ sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes — pure comfort in every bite.
Benefits? They’re portion-controlled, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for freezing too. No boring leftover meatloaf here — just adorable, mouthwatering bites you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought — no judgment!)
Kitchen Tools
- Muffin tin (12-cup works great)
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Piping bag with a star tip (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped)
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Ingredient Additions & Swaps
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter bite.
- Add diced onions, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Switch up the BBQ sauce — sweet honey BBQ or spicy chipotle both work beautifully!
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, ½ tablespoon BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined — don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Divide the mixture evenly among 8 muffin cups. Press firmly and make a small well in the center.
4️⃣ Brush the tops with the remaining BBQ sauce for a sweet-smoky glaze.
5️⃣ Wrap each meat cup with a slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath so they don’t unravel.
6️⃣ Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F and the bacon is crisp.
7️⃣ Meanwhile, whip up your mashed potatoes if you haven’t already. Load them into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
8️⃣ Rest the meatloaf cupcakes for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them from the tin.
9️⃣ Pipe a generous swirl of mashed potatoes on each cupcake — just like frosting!
🔟 Garnish with fresh herbs (chives, parsley) if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
What to Serve with Meatloaf Cupcakes
These pair perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted veggies
- Pickles for a tangy bite
- A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side
Tips for the Best Meatloaf Cupcakes
✔️ Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness.
✔️ Don’t overmix the meat — it can get tough.
✔️ Let them rest before frosting so the mashed potatoes don’t melt off.
✔️ Pipe mashed potatoes just before serving for that beautiful swirl!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Want to freeze? Bake the meatloaf cupcakes without the mashed potatoes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top with fresh mashed potatoes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What’s the best way to pipe the potatoes?
A star tip makes the swirl extra pretty — but a simple zip-top bag works too!
Final Thoughts
There you have it — meatloaf like you’ve never had it before! Smoky, savory, a touch sweet, and topped with the creamiest mashed potatoes. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it step by step — but trust me, it’s easy and so worth it.
If you try these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes, I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest — I can’t wait to cheer you on.
Looking for more fun, comfort-food twists? Check out these next:
- Peach Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Sweet Peach Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
- Peach BBQ Baked Beans (Yes, peaches everywhere — trust me!)
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cupcake)
Calories: ~290 | Protein: 15g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 19g
Thanks for reading and cooking along with me — now go on and treat yourself to these savory cupcakes tonight! ❤️
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