Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

Looking for a bold twist on a classic comfort dish? These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are the ultimate fusion of rustic flavor and playful presentation. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a fun weekend cooking project, these savory cupcakes bring together all the hearty goodness of traditional meatloaf with a modern, crowd-pleasing spin.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp smoky bourbon BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 slices of bacon
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared and seasoned to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape the Cupcakes: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape into cupcake-sized mounds and wrap each with a slice of bacon. Place in the muffin tin.
4. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is fully cooked (internal temp: 160°F / 71°C).
5. Prepare the Mashed Potato Frosting: While baking, prepare your mashed potatoes. Make them smooth and creamy for easy piping or spreading.
6. Assemble: Remove cupcakes from the oven and let cool slightly. Pipe or spoon mashed potatoes on top like frosting.