Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato "Frosting"

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato “Frosting” 🧁🥩

These adorable, savory cupcakes combine juicy bourbon-glazed meatloaf with creamy mashed potato swirls—perfect for parties, game day, or a fun twist on comfort food!

🍖 Ingredients

Meatloaf Cupcakes:

1½ lbs ground beef (85/15 blend)

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)

1 large egg
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Bourbon BBQ Glaze:

½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp bourbon (or sub apple juice)
1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)

Mashed Potato “Frosting”:

2 cups mashed potatoes (instant or homemade)
2 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp warm milk
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chives or parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Meatloaf Mix:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently (don’t overwork!).

2. Make the Bourbon BBQ Glaze:

In a small saucepan, mix BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and liquid smoke. Simmer for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.

3. Assemble & Bake:

Press meat mixture into muffin cups, filling ¾ full.
Spoon 1 tsp glaze over each meatloaf cupcake.
Bake for 20-25 mins, until cooked through (165°F internal temp).

4. Pipe the “Frosting”:

Whip mashed potatoes with butter, milk, and cheese until smooth.
Transfer to a piping bag with a star tip (or use a ziplock bag with the corner snipped).
Pipe swirls onto each cupcake like frosting.

5. Garnish & Serve!

Drizzle with extra BBQ glaze and sprinkle with chives.
Best served warm!

🔥 Pro Tips:

✅ Make Ahead: Prep meat mixture & potatoes a day early.
✅ Extra Decadent? Add crispy bacon bits on top.
✅ Kid-Friendly: Skip the bourbon—use apple juice instead.

These are a guaranteed hit at potlucks! Would you try them? 😍🍽️

*(P.S. For a full-sized meatloaf version, bake in a loaf pan for 50-60 mins!)*