Savory BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - Fresh parsley for garnish If you need to switch things up, here are some easy swaps: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. - Swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or oats if you want a gluten-free choice. - Replace Parmesan cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. - If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works in a pinch. - You can use honey mustard in place of Dijon for sweetness. When making meatloaf cupcakes, choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor: - Pick ground beef with a good fat content, like 80/20, for moistness. - Look for fresh produce. Bright onions add great flavor and crunch. - Use high-quality BBQ sauce. It makes a big difference in taste. - Check for fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds color. - Always taste your ingredients. This helps you adjust flavors before cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always line my muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. This step makes cleanup easy and helps the cupcakes come out nicely. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for flavor. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 lightly beaten egg. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it's smooth. Once your mixture is ready, scoop it into the cupcake liners. Fill each one about three-quarters full. It is important not to overfill them. Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven. Bake the meatloaf cupcakes for 25 to 30 minutes. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). After baking, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on top of each cupcake. This adds a tasty glaze. Return them to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. You want the BBQ sauce to caramelize a bit. To check if your meatloaf cupcakes are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of one cupcake. It should read 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut one in half. Make sure there is no pink inside. The meat should look brown and firm. If it needs more time, put it back in for another few minutes. Let them cool slightly before taking them out of the muffin tin. This helps them hold their shape better. To make great meatloaf cupcakes, start with good meat. I prefer using fresh ground beef, as it gives the best flavor. Mix the ingredients well but don’t overwork the meat. This keeps your cupcakes tender. Fill the liners about three-quarters full. This allows room for rising. Also, lining the muffin tin helps with easy cleanup. A tasty glaze makes all the difference. After baking, brush a good BBQ sauce on top of each cupcake. I like to use a sauce that has a mix of sweetness and smokiness. After glazing, return the cupcakes to the oven. Bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce and adds great flavor. These meatloaf cupcakes go well with many sides. I suggest serving them with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. You can also add some grilled veggies for a pop of color. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs nicely. They make a fun and hearty meal that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the meatloaf cupcakes moist without being greasy. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as sweet, spicy, or smoky, to personalize the taste of your meatloaf cupcakes. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to ensure the meatloaf cupcakes are tender and not tough. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety and best texture. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for other meats. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. For a unique twist, use ground pork. Each option gives the meatloaf a different taste. Chicken adds a mild flavor, while pork has a bit more sweetness. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety. You can play with flavors to make these cupcakes your own. Add BBQ sauce with a kick, like spicy or smoky varieties. You can mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth. If you like a sweet taste, try a BBQ sauce with honey. Remember, the sauce you choose sets the mood for the dish. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or black beans. You can also use a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. Just mash them well and mix with the same ingredients. For a vegan option, swap the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use vegan cheeses and BBQ sauce to keep it plant-based. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! After enjoying your Bourbon BBQ meatloaf cupcakes, let them cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf cupcakes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes or until they are warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each cupcake for 30 seconds to a minute. Make sure to check that they are heated all the way through. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the meatloaf cupcakes cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap or foil. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions. This way, you can enjoy them anytime! You can use crushed crackers or oats. Both options work well. They add texture and help bind the meat. If you're gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also blend dried bread into crumbs. Yes, you can make these meatloaf cupcakes in advance. Prepare them up to the baking step and store them in the fridge. Just cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake, just remove the wrap and bake as directed. To adjust spiciness, choose a mild BBQ sauce. You can also mix in honey or brown sugar to balance heat. If you want more heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. We explored key ingredients and their substitutions for meatloaf cupcakes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. Effective tips helped you check doneness and enhance flavor. We covered variations, from protein options to vegetarian adaptations. Lastly, I shared storage and reheating tips for easy meal prep. Remember, these cupcakes can fit any taste or diet. Enjoy making them your own!$

Savory BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes

Delicious meatloaf cupcakes topped with BBQ sauce, perfect for a fun twist on a classic dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup BBQ sauce
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Scoop the meat mixture into each cupcake liner, filling them about three-quarters full.
Bake the meatloaf cupcakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
After baking, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush a layer of BBQ sauce over the top of each cupcake for a flavorful glaze.
Return the cupcakes to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the BBQ sauce is slightly caramelized.
Once done, let them cool for a few more minutes, then carefully remove them from the muffin tin.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste.

Keyword BBQ, cupcakes, meatloaf