Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes are a fun and cozy twist on a classic dish. They blend the rich flavors of beef and smoky bacon, topped with a sweet and tangy bourbon BBQ glaze. Perfect for a family dinner, these meatloaf cupcakes are a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them any night of the week for a hearty, satisfying meal.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out because it’s both delicious and easy to make. You’ll enjoy the tenderness of the meat and the crispiness of the bacon. The addition of a bourbon BBQ glaze gives it a unique flavor that your family will love. This dish uses everyday ingredients, which means less time shopping and more time enjoying a warm meal together. Plus, kids will love the fun cupcake shape!

How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

Making these meatloaf cupcakes is straightforward. You’ll mix together a few ingredients for the tasty meatloaf, shape them into muffin cups, and wrap them in bacon. While they bake, you can whip up some creamy mashed potatoes to go on top. The whole process doesn’t take long, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

What You Need

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 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)

Step-by-Step

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

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Try serving them with a side of corn on the cob for a delightful summer dinner. They’re also great for game day or family gatherings. Top them with pickled jalapeños for a little kick if you like spicy flavors!

How to Store Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warm.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix: This can make the meatloaf tough. Just mix until combined.
Bacon: Use regular cut bacon for better wrapping. Thick-cut might not crisp up as well.
Rest before serving: This allows the juices to settle, making it easier to serve.
Meatloaf temperature: Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Customize the glaze: Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch.

Different Ways to Make It

BBQ chicken version: Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian option: Use lentils or a meat substitute instead of ground beef for a veggie-friendly meal.
Spicy kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the meat mixture for heat.
Cheesy stuffing: Add shredded cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy surprise.
Holiday twist: Use cranberry sauce instead of BBQ for a festive flavor during the holidays.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf cupcakes a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. This makes for an easy, stress-free dinner.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, these meatloaf cupcakes freeze well. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven will keep the bacon crispy.

What can I substitute for the bourbon?
If you’re looking for an alcohol-free option, apple juice works great in the glaze. You can also use a bit of apple cider vinegar for tang.

Any tips for avoiding dry meatloaf?
Be careful not to overmix the meat and make sure to add enough moisture from the egg and ketchup. Keeping an eye on cooking time is also crucial to prevent dryness.