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

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

These bite-sized meatloaf cupcakes are a showstopping twist on a classic comfort food. Perfectly seasoned mini meatloaves wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with creamy mashed potato "frosting" make the ultimate fun dinner idea for families or guests.

•  Prep Time: 30 minutes
•  Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
•  Yield: 12 meatloaf cupcakes
•  Category: Dinner, Main Course
•  Cuisine: American Comfort Food
•  Keywords: Mini Meatloaf, Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, BBQ Meatloaf, Mashed Potato Frosting, Kid-Friendly Dinners, High CPC Recipes

 Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Piping bag with star tip (or a Ziploc bag)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board & knife

 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck recommended)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 slices thin-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup Bourbon BBQ sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)

For the Mashed Potato Frosting:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper

 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, celery, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

2. Form the Cupcakes

• Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a compact ball or cylinder.
• Wrap a slice of bacon around each mini meatloaf and press into each muffin cup.

3. Bake the Meatloaf

• Bake for 20 minutes. Remove and brush each top with Bourbon BBQ sauce.
• Return to oven for 15–25 more minutes, or until bacon is crisp and internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Carefully transfer each meatloaf cupcake to a wire rack to drain.

4. Prepare the Mashed Potato Frosting

• While meatloaf bakes, place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
• Drain and return to pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth or use an electric mixer for ultra-creamy results.

5. Assemble Your Meatloaf Cupcakes

• Transfer mashed potatoes to a piping bag with a star tip or Ziploc bag with the corner cut.
• Pipe a generous swirl on each warm meatloaf cupcake.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the smiles!

 Tips & Variations

• Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar to the mashed potatoes before piping.
• Go low-carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower mash.
• Spice it up: Add chipotle BBQ sauce for a smoky kick.
• Meal prep: These reheat well and freeze beautifully—just frost before serving!

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These adorable savory cupcakes are the perfect mix of fun presentation and comfort food flavor. They’re great for picky eaters, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions. The crispy bacon and creamy potato combo makes every bite unforgettable—and yes, highly shareable on social media!

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

These adorable meatloaf cupcakes are bursting with flavor and topped with creamy mashed potato frosting. Perfect for family dinners or party appetizers!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

### For the Meatloaf Cupcakes

• - 1 lb ground beef 80/20 chuck recommended
• - 1 small onion finely diced
• - 1 celery stalk finely diced
• - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• - 1 large egg
• - 1/4 cup milk
• - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 12 slices thin-cut bacon
• - 1/2 cup Bourbon BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade

### For the Mashed Potato Frosting

• - 2 lbs russet potatoes peeled and quartered
• - 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half for richer texture
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• - Pinch of black pepper

Equipment

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Large mixing bowl
• - Potato masher or hand mixer
• Piping bag or Ziploc bag
• Medium saucepan
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. ### Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, celery, panko, egg, milk, parsley, and all seasonings.
4. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
5. ### Form the Cupcakes
6. Divide mixture evenly into 12 portions. Shape each into a compact ball.
7. Wrap each with a bacon slice and place in muffin cups.
8. ### Bake
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove from oven, brush tops with Bourbon BBQ sauce.
11. Return to oven for 15–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
12. Remove and let rest on a wire rack.
13. ### Make the Mashed Potato Frosting
14. While meatloaf bakes, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
15. Drain and return to pot.
16. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy (use a mixer for smoother texture).
17. ### Frost and Serve
18. Pipe mashed potatoes on top of each meatloaf using a piping bag or Ziploc.
19. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Add shredded cheddar to mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze unfrosted meatloaf cupcakes.
- Swap in ground turkey or pork for a different twist.