Savory BBQ Meatloaf Cupcakes

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese The main ingredients bring the heartiness to the meatloaf cupcakes. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. Breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Finely chopped onion adds a sweet taste. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. - 1/4 cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder Flavor enhancers take these cupcakes to the next level. Ketchup adds sweetness and moisture. Worcestershire sauce gives a savory depth. Dijon mustard adds a tangy twist. Garlic powder brings a warm, aromatic touch. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - Fresh parsley for garnish Seasoning is key for delicious meatloaf cupcakes. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. BBQ sauce adds a sweet and sticky glaze. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and brightness. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners to avoid sticking. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 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 Mix everything well with your hands or a spatula. Ensure all the ingredients blend evenly. - Carefully scoop the meat mixture into each cupcake liner, filling them about three-quarters full. - Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. - Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Make sure to check a few cupcakes to confirm they are fully cooked. - Once baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven and let the cupcakes cool for about 5 minutes. - Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf cupcake for added flavor. - Return the cupcakes to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce slightly, giving it a nice glaze. - After caramelizing, let them cool for a few more minutes. - Lift the cupcakes out of the muffin tin carefully. - Just before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. To make the best meatloaf cupcakes, start with the right meat mixture. You want it moist but not too wet. Use a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg to bind it well. This gives a nice texture. For checking doneness, a meat thermometer is key. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. Always check a few to ensure they are all cooked. Pair these cupcakes with sides for a complete meal. A fresh side salad adds crunch and balance. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or corn. For presentation, place the meatloaf cupcakes on a colorful platter. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for a tasty look. A sprinkle of parsley adds a nice touch too. You can adjust the BBQ sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, use more ketchup. If you want it spicier, add some hot sauce. Feel free to mix in different herbs or spices. Chopped basil or thyme can add a nice twist to the flavor. Try garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and ensure a healthier cupcake without sacrificing flavor. Customize the BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, such as spicy or honey-infused, to add unique flavors to your meatloaf cupcakes. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatloaf cupcakes. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before serving; this helps them retain their shape and makes them easier to handle. {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground beef for different meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options can make the dish lighter. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They help keep the texture right while catering to dietary needs. BBQ sauces can change the taste of your meatloaf cupcakes. Try smoky, sweet, or spicy types. You can also add spices like chili powder or cayenne for extra heat. Mixing in cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, gives a creamy touch. Toss in some finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor. Meatloaf muffins are fun and easy to serve. They are perfect for parties or casual dinners. You can also serve them as traditional meatloaf. If you want bite-sized treats, make mini versions for appetizers. These small bites are great for gatherings and are easy to eat. To keep your Bourbon BBQ meatloaf cupcakes fresh, refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. They will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. Always allow them to cool before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. For long-term storage, freezing is your best option. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. These meatloaf cupcakes are perfect for meal prep. You can make them in advance for busy nights. Prepare a batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge. Portion them out for easy meals throughout the week. You can also freeze some to enjoy later. This way, you always have a fun, tasty meal ready to go. Can I make these cupcakes in advance? Yes, you can make these cupcakes ahead of time. Bake them fully, then cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, just reheat them in the oven. This keeps them moist and tasty. What temperature should the meatloaf cupcakes reach? The meatloaf cupcakes must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the center. This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly cooked. What can I use instead of ground beef? You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Both options are lean and still taste great. If you prefer a richer flavor, try ground pork. Can I replace BBQ sauce with something else? Yes, you can use other sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. For a smoky flavor, try a chipotle sauce. Just adjust the amount to match your taste. Are these cupcakes suitable for gluten-free diets? To make these cupcakes gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Check that your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free. How to make them dairy-free? To make the cupcakes dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor. Always check labels for dairy ingredients in sauces. These meatloaf cupcakes are easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, flavors, and seasoning that give them taste. The step-by-step guide helps you bake them perfectly. Tips showed you how to store and serve them well. Variations let you get creative using different meats and spices. Try these cupcakes for a tasty meal. They are great for busy nights or parties. Get cooking, and enjoy every bite!$

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 prepare a muffin tin by lining each cup with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, mix thoroughly until all components are well blended and evenly distributed.
Carefully scoop the meat mixture into each prepared cupcake liner, filling them about three-quarters of the way full to allow for expansion during cooking.
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf cupcakes reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer. Ensure you check a few to confirm they are fully cooked.
Upon completion of baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, drizzle a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce over the top of each meatloaf cupcake for an extra burst of flavor.
Return the meatloaf cupcakes to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly, creating a delightful glaze.
Once caramelized to your preference, remove from the oven and permit to cool for another few minutes. Carefully lift the cupcakes out of the muffin tin, ensuring they retain their shape.
Just before serving, garnish each cupcake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness.

Notes

Serve with a fresh side salad and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Keyword BBQ, cupcakes, meatloaf, savory