Description: These aren’t your grandma’s meatloaf! We’re taking a classic comfort food and giving it a fun, modern twist. These individual meatloaf cupcakes are infused with smoky bourbon BBQ flavor, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with creamy mashed potato “frosting.” They’re savory, delicious, and perfect for a party appetizer or a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your meatloaf expectations!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, your preference)
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds sweetness and moisture)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for umami and depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (the star of the show – choose your favorite brand!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for aromatic punch)
- ½ tsp salt (enhances flavors)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (adds a touch of spice)
- 8 slices of bacon (thin-cut or regular, but make sure they’re long enough to wrap around the cupcakes)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or using instant, but homemade is always best!)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking the meatloaf through while crisping up the bacon. Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare your muffin tin. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will prevent the meatloaf cupcakes from sticking and make them easier to remove. Even if you have a non-stick muffin tin, greasing it is a good insurance policy. If you want easier cleanup, use muffin liners, but be aware they might affect the crispiness of the bacon.
Step 3: Mix the meatloaf ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf. The mixture should be evenly distributed but not compacted.
Step 4: Form the meatloaf cupcakes. Divide the meatloaf mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a cupcake shape, pressing lightly to form a cohesive structure. You can use a measuring cup or an ice cream scoop to ensure that each cupcake is the same size.
Step 5: Wrap with bacon. Wrap each meatloaf cupcake with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. The bacon should overlap slightly to ensure maximum coverage and crispiness. Place the bacon-wrapped meatloaf cupcakes into the prepared muffin tin. Make sure each cupcake is snugly fit in its muffin slot.
Step 6: Bake the meatloaf cupcakes. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf – it should reach 160°F (71°C). If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the muffin tin with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 7: Prepare the mashed potatoes. While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, prepare your mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. For the best “frosting” consistency, use a smooth and creamy mashed potato recipe. You can add a little extra milk or cream to make them extra fluffy. Season the mashed potatoes with salt, pepper, and a touch of butter for extra flavor.
Step 8: Cool and frost. Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This will make them easier to handle. Pipe or spoon the mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf cupcake to resemble frosting. You can use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a fancy presentation, or simply use a spoon for a rustic look.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy! Serve the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce, or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic meatloaf, transforming it into a fun and appealing dish for both kids and adults. The smoky bourbon BBQ flavor adds a unique depth and complexity, while the bacon wrapping provides a satisfying crispy texture. The mashed potato frosting takes the presentation to a whole new level, making these cupcakes perfect for parties or special occasions. They are also incredibly versatile, as you can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Plus, they are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
- Make it a complete meal by pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Offer a variety of BBQ sauces for dipping.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or coleslaw for a true Southern-inspired feast.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of sour cream.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture.
- Use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken, for a leaner option.
- Add chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and texture.
- To prevent the bacon from shrinking too much during baking, partially cook it in a skillet before wrapping the meatloaf cupcakes.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can bake the meatloaf as a single loaf in a baking dish. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg per serving
Conclusion
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and offer a fun and unique twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, fire up your oven and get ready to experience meatloaf in a whole new way!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
- Question 1: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
- Answer: Absolutely! The smoky bourbon BBQ sauce is a key flavor component, but feel free to experiment with other BBQ sauce varieties to suit your taste. Honey BBQ, sweet and tangy BBQ, or even a spicy chipotle BBQ would all be delicious variations. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sauce to your liking, as some sauces may be more intense than others.
- Question 2: What can I do if I don’t have bacon on hand?
- Answer: While the bacon adds a lot of flavor and texture to these meatloaf cupcakes, you can certainly make them without it. If you don’t have bacon, you can simply bake the meatloaf cupcakes as is. You might consider adding a little extra fat to the meatloaf mixture to compensate for the lack of bacon fat, such as a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter. Alternatively, you could try wrapping the meatloaf cupcakes with prosciutto or pancetta for a similar, albeit slightly different, flavor.
- Question 3: Can I prepare these meatloaf cupcakes in advance?
- Answer: Yes, you can definitely prepare these meatloaf cupcakes in advance. You can mix the meatloaf ingredients, form the cupcakes, and wrap them in bacon up to 24 hours before baking. Store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly, until you’re ready to bake. You can also prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat them before frosting the meatloaf cupcakes. For the best results, bake the meatloaf cupcakes and frost them with the mashed potatoes just before serving.
- Question 4: Can I freeze these meatloaf cupcakes?
- Answer: Yes, you can freeze these meatloaf cupcakes for longer storage. Allow the baked meatloaf cupcakes to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven or microwave. It’s best to add the mashed potato frosting after reheating, as the frosting may not freeze well.
- Question 5: How can I make these meatloaf cupcakes healthier?
- Answer: There are several ways to make these meatloaf cupcakes healthier. You can use leaner ground beef, such as 90/10, or substitute it with ground turkey or ground chicken. You can also use whole-wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs and add chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, to the meatloaf mixture to increase the fiber content. To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Finally, you can lighten up the mashed potatoes by using less butter and milk, or by substituting some of the potatoes with cauliflower.
