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Individual meatloaf cupcakes wrapped in crispy bacon with a glossy bourbon BBQ glaze in a muffin tin.

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 12 strips thick -cut bacon, halved
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the bourbon BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of bourbon whiskey to create the glaze; set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic, remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix the ingredients by hand until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
  5. Place two half-strips of bacon into each muffin cup, crossing them in an 'X' pattern so the ends hang over the edges.
  6. Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions (approximately 1/3 cup each) and press firmly into the bacon-lined cups.
  7. Fold the overhanging bacon ends over the top of the meat to seal the 'cupcake'.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes in the center rack of the oven.
  9. Remove the tin and brush the top of each meatloaf cupcake generously with the prepared bourbon BBQ glaze.
  10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crisp.
  11. Allow the cupcakes to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before removing to ensure they retain their shape.