Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes (Print Version)
Turkey ham wrapped meatloaf cupcakes glazed with smoky BBQ sauce. High-protein, portion-perfect bites great for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Smoky Meatloaf Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
02 -
1/2 lb ground pork sausage
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1/4 cup whole milk
06 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
1 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
→ Savory Aromatics & Mix-Ins
09 -
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
10 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 -
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
→ Sticky BBQ Glaze
13 -
3/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
14 -
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
15 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
→ Turkey Ham Wrap & Finish
16 -
12 slices deli turkey ham (thin-cut)
17 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Proper preparation ensures your Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes release cleanly after baking without tearing the turkey ham lining.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp packed brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar until fully combined. Set aside about half the glaze for topping and reserve the rest for mixing into the meatloaf base.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey, 1/2 lb ground pork sausage, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs soaked in 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, half the prepared glaze, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
04 -
Press one thin-cut deli turkey ham slice into each of the 12 greased muffin cups, forming a snug cup shape with the edges slightly overlapping the rim. This ham lining is the signature wrap for your Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes, locking in moisture and adding savory flavor.
05 -
Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the 12 ham-lined cups, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets and filling each cup to just below the rim. Spoon the reserved BBQ glaze generously over the top of each filled cup, ensuring full coverage for a sticky, caramelized finish.
06 -
Bake the Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer and the glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 25 minutes to ensure even cooking.
07 -
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the cupcakes to firm up, making them much easier to remove cleanly with a spoon or offset spatula.
08 -
Carefully lift each cupcake out of the tin and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining BBQ glaze and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cooking Tip: To prevent the meatloaf mixture from sticking to your hands while filling the cups, lightly dampen your fingers with cold water. This also helps you press and smooth the tops more neatly before adding the glaze.
02 -
🧊 Storage Advice: Store leftover Smoky BBQ Turkey Ham Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes. They also freeze well for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: If you prefer an all-poultry version, swap the ground pork sausage for ground chicken or additional ground turkey. For a smokier depth without store-bought BBQ sauce, stir 1/2 tsp liquid smoke into a plain tomato-based sauce as a quick homemade alternative.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted corn on the cob for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal. For a party presentation, serve them on a wooden board with small ramekins of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
12-cup muffin tin
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
small mixing bowl
04 -
whisk
05 -
wooden spoon or spatula
06 -
cutting board
07 -
chef's knife
08 -
measuring cups and spoons
09 -
pastry brush
10 -
cooking spray or paper liners
11 -
meat thermometer
12 -
wire cooling rack
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 218 kcal
Total Fat: 10 g
Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
Protein: 19 g