Smoky Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting
Servings: 12 mini meatloaves
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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1½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¾ cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup milk
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1 large egg
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½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
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2 tbsp bourbon (optional but adds flavor depth)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
For the Mashed Potato Frosting:
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
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4 tbsp butter
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½ cup milk or cream
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar or 2 tbsp sour cream for extra creaminess
Optional Garnishes:
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Chopped parsley or chives
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Crispy bacon bits
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A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
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Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
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Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in cheese or sour cream if desired.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 2–3 minutes.
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Add ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, BBQ sauce, bourbon, Worcestershire, and spices.
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Mix just until combined — don’t overmix or it’ll get dense.
3. Form the Cupcakes:
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Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
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Divide the meat mixture evenly among cups (about ⅓ cup each).
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Press lightly to pack and smooth the tops.
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Brush a small amount of BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf.
4. Bake:
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Frost with Mashed Potatoes:
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Transfer mashed potatoes into a piping bag with a large star or round tip.
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Pipe the potatoes onto each meatloaf “cupcake” to resemble frosting.
6. Garnish and Serve:
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Sprinkle with bacon bits, parsley, or drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
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Serve warm with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
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Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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For a smoky-sweet glaze, mix ¼ cup BBQ sauce + 1 tbsp bourbon + 1 tbsp brown sugar and brush on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Can be made ahead — refrigerate baked meatloaf cupcakes and mashed potatoes separately, then reheat and assemble before serving.
Would you like me to include a spicy chipotle version or a cheddar bacon mashed potato topping variation next?
