BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

I came up with these BBQ bacon wrapped meatloaf cupcakes on a game day when I wanted to serve something hearty and fun and finger friendly and traditional meatloaf just didn’t feel exciting enough. I remembered seeing savory cupcakes once at a food festival and decided to give the idea my own smoky spin.

So I wrapped meatloaf in bacon packed them into muffin tins and topped them with creamy mashed potatoes like frosting and added a drizzle of BBQ sauce for that final bold punch. Everyone went nuts for them and now they’re a regular feature at parties and family dinners when I want comfort food with a twist!

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use to make these savory bites of joy. You can easily adjust the seasoning or toppings!
• Ground beef – The base of the meatloaf that gives these cupcakes a rich and savory flavor.
• Breadcrumbs – Help bind the mixture and keep the texture tender.
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together while baking.
• Onion – Adds moisture and a mild bite that enhances the meat.
• Garlic – Gives the meatloaf depth and warmth.
• BBQ sauce – Brushed on top and inside for smoky sweetness and sticky glaze.
• Bacon strips – Wrapped around the edges for salty crunch and extra flavor.
• Mashed potatoes – Serve as the “frosting” and add a creamy contrast.
• Chives – A fresh and colorful garnish that makes them look just like real cupcakes.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the meatloaf mixture thoroughly.
• Muffin tin – The key to shaping these into adorable single-serve cupcakes.
• Spatula or spoon – Helps scoop the meat into the cups without a mess.
• Piping bag or zip-top bag – Makes it easy to pipe mashed potatoes on top like real frosting.
• Oven – Bakes the meatloaf evenly and crisps the bacon perfectly.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping garlic and onion.
• Small saucepan or pot – For making or reheating mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F and lining a muffin tin with paper liners or spraying them well with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl I combine the ground beef breadcrumbs egg chopped onion minced garlic and a few spoonfuls of BBQ sauce and I mix everything with my hands until just combined.

Step 3

I cut each strip of bacon in half and line the sides of each muffin cup with a piece forming a little ring that will crisp up beautifully around the edges.

Step 4

Next I scoop the meat mixture into each bacon-lined cup filling them almost to the top and gently pressing down to shape them.

Step 5

I brush a little more BBQ sauce on the tops and then bake for about 25–30 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the bacon is browned and crispy.

Step 6

While they bake I whip up a quick batch of mashed potatoes using butter cream salt and pepper then transfer them to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip.

Step 7

Once the meatloaf cupcakes are done I let them rest for a few minutes before piping mashed potato “frosting” on top of each one and garnishing with fresh chives.

Tips

I’ve found that using a fattier ground beef like 80/20 gives the juiciest result. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. And if you want a sharper punch stir a little horseradish or cheddar into the mashed potatoes—it’s a total game-changer. I also like making mini versions for appetizers!

Ways to Serve

Serve these meatloaf cupcakes with a side salad or roasted veggies for a fun and complete dinner. They’re also fantastic as party appetizers or lunchbox surprises. I’ve even brought them to potlucks and tailgates where they vanish faster than anything else on the table!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ bacon-wrapped meatloaf cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes BBQ bacon-wrapped meatloaf cupcakes can be made in advance and reheated just before serving. Store unfrosted cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze them?

Definitely! Freeze the cupcakes before adding the mashed potatoes and thaw in the fridge before reheating and topping.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce whether sweet smoky spicy or tangy—it really sets the flavor tone of the dish.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the topping?

Yes if you’re short on time instant mashed potatoes work fine though homemade always tastes best in my opinion.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these BBQ bacon-wrapped meatloaf cupcakes soon—they’re always a hit and never fail to spark conversation and smiles. I’d love to hear how yours turn out or what fun toppings you add!

Happy Cooking!

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