A Flavorful Bite of Sweet, Smoky & Savory Perfection
These Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cups are packed with smoky bourbon BBQ flavor, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes. With a rich beef base, tangy Worcestershire, and a touch of ketchup for sweetness, they’re a handheld, flavor-packed treat perfect for game day, potlucks, or a fancy dinner twist.
A modern meatloaf reinvented—small, smoky, and unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥩 Meatloaf in Mini Form: Individual portions mean less mess and more crunch.
- 🍖 Bacon Armor: Wraps each cup in smoky, caramelized goodness.
- 🥣 BBQ & Bourbon Harmony: Adds depth without overpowering the beef base.
- 🥔 Mashed Potato Swirl: Silky topping that balances the richness below.
- ⏱️ Quick Assembly: From bowl to oven in under 10 minutes—ideal for busy cooks.
Ingredients (Makes 8 cups):
For the Meatloaf Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
- ¼ cup ketchup (adds natural sweetness and moisture)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 tbsp smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (plus ½ tbsp for brushing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (creamy, warm, and pipeable)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Muffin Tin
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray—only use 8 cups.
Set aside while preparing the meatloaf mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tbsp bourbon BBQ sauce
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Mix until just combined—avoid overworking to keep the texture tender.
Step 3: Press Into Muffin Cups
Divide the mixture evenly among the 8 muffin cups.
Press firmly into each cup, shaping into a small bowl and creating a slight depression in the center.
This helps hold the BBQ glaze and bacon wrap.
Step 4: Glaze & Wrap in Bacon
Brush the top of each meatloaf cup with remaining ½ tbsp BBQ sauce .
Wrap each cup with a bacon slice, tucking the ends underneath to secure.
This creates a crispy, smoky shell that holds everything together.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes , or until:
- The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Bacon is golden and crisp
- Meatloaf is fully cooked and slightly browned
Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
This allows the juices to settle and the bacon to firm up.
Step 6: Top with Mashed Potatoes
Spoon or pipe warm mashed potatoes over the top of each meatloaf cup in a swirl pattern.
Tip: If potatoes are too thick, stir in a splash of milk or butter to loosen.
Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for color and freshness.
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Cold Hands: Helps shape the meatloaf cups without sticking.
- 🍯 Bourbon Hack: Substitute bourbon BBQ sauce with regular BBQ sauce + 1 tsp bourbon for extra kick.
- 🥣 Cheese Option: Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar to the meatloaf mixture for a gooey surprise.
- 🥟 Breaded Variation: Dip bacon-wrapped cups in panko before baking for extra crunch.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Prepare unbaked cups and refrigerate overnight—bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect at backyard BBQs, holiday dinners, or casual lunches.
- Great with a side of coleslaw, roasted corn, or baked beans.
- Ideal with a cold beer, lemonade, or bourbon cocktail.
Each bite brings together:
- Juicy, seasoned meatloaf base
- Sticky, smoky bacon crust
- Silky, buttery mashed potato swirl
- And that bold BBQ finish
Nutritional Information (per cup, makes 8 – approximate):
(With regular beef and mashed potatoes – per serving)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~16g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~4g
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Meatloaf Cups prove that meatloaf doesn’t have to be boring or served family-style. With their crispy bacon shell, tender beef core, and creamy potato crown—they’re a must-bake for anyone who loves bold, layered comfort food.
