Introduction
Looking for a fun twist on classic comfort food recipes? These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner idea. Individual meatloaf cupcakes are glazed with sweet and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a presentation that looks like dessert but tastes like the best savory dinner ever.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Cupcakes)
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potato Frosting:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (warm)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
- Make Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Bake Cupcakes: Divide mixture into muffin tin (about ¾ full each). Brush tops with BBQ sauce. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While meatloaf cooks, boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain, mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Frost & Serve: Pipe or spoon mashed potatoes over meatloaf cupcakes. Garnish with extra BBQ sauce drizzle and chopped chives.
Tips & Variations
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to make the potato frosting look just like cupcakes.
- Make ahead and reheat for easy weeknight family dinners.
