Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

🧁 Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

🔥 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Cupcakes (Makes 12)

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)

• 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, or use all beef)

• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)

• 1 tbsp bourbon

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

For the BBQ Glaze

• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tbsp bourbon

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

For the Mashed Potato Frosting

• 2–3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1/4–1/3 cup milk or cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional for piping: 2–3 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese (for texture and tang)

• Optional garnish: chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or fried onions

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until absorbed.

3. Add ground beef, pork (if using), onion, garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, bourbon, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Mix gently with hands or spatula until just combined.

2. Bake the Cupcakes

1. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin (or use liners).

2. Fill each cup with the meat mixture, pressing lightly so they hold together but aren’t packed too tightly.

3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, then remove and spoon the glaze on top of each cupcake.

4. Return to oven for 5–7 more minutes, until glaze is bubbly and meat is fully cooked (internal temp: 160°F/71°C).

3. Make the Mashed Potato Frosting

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).

2. Drain and mash with butter, milk/cream, and optional sour cream/cream cheese.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. For piping, make sure potatoes are smooth and not too stiff. Let them cool slightly before piping.

4. Assemble

1. Once meatloaf cupcakes are done, remove from pan and let cool 5 minutes.

2. Pipe or spoon mashed potatoes on top like frosting.

3. Garnish with chives, bacon bits, or crispy onions.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

• Great for parties, potlucks, or fun family dinners.

• You can prep the meatloaf mixture and mashed potatoes ahead of time and assemble before serving.