🍖 Meatloaf Cupcake Ingredients (Makes 12 cupcakes)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork (or all beef if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, divided)
🥃 Optional Homemade Bourbon BBQ Sauce (for brushing/glaze)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
🥔 Mashed Potato Frosting Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled & cubed
- ½ cup whole milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chives or crispy bacon bits for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Place cubed potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, and sour cream (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Let cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. (You can also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.)
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, cheese, parsley, smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup BBQ sauce.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overwork.
3. Bake the Meatloaf Cupcakes
- Divide the meat mixture evenly into the 12 muffin cups, pressing gently.
- Brush the tops with remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Frost the Cupcakes
- Pipe mashed potatoes onto each meatloaf “cupcake” in a swirl pattern like frosting.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
- Garnish with chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.