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A tray of individual meatloaf cupcakes garnished with crispy bacon strips and a drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce, topped with chopped herbs. The cupcakes are golden-brown with a slightly caramelized crust, nestled in paper liners on a rustic wooden surface with scattered ingredients in the background.

Irresistible Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Cupcakes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic!

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Discover the irresistible flavor of Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Cupcakes — a fun, portable twist on the classic meatloaf. Combining smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, rich bourbon, and hearty ground meat, these savory cupcakes are perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. Enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish that impresses everyone at the table.

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 cupcakes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin or cupcake tin well or line with paper liners for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the eggs, BBQ sauce, and bourbon whiskey until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Gently fold in the crumbled bacon for an extra smoky crunch that enhances the savory flavor of your meatloaf cupcakes.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake cavities, pressing gently to fill each completely and create a nice rounded top.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are browned and cooked through.
  6. Once baked, spread a little extra BBQ sauce on top of each cupcake for a shiny, flavorful glaze. For an added smoky finish, you can briefly broil them for 2 minutes.

Notes

  • Allow baked cupcakes to cool slightly before serving for easier handling.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • Use your favorite type of cheese for different flavor profiles.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free option available if using gluten-free breadcrumbs

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake (approximately 100g)
  • Calories: 290 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg