Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes: Your New Family Favorite Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
Who can resist the allure of a classic bacon cheeseburger? The savory ground beef, the crispy bacon, the melted cheese, all brought together in a harmonious bite. Now, imagine taking all those incredible flavors and transforming them into a fun, bite-sized “cupcake” that’s perfect for any occasion! These Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes are not only irresistibly delicious with their crispy, crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful filling, but they are also incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal family meal that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe even better? Each delightful cupcake is only 3 Smart Points, making it a truly Weight Watchers approved meal. So, you can indulge in that comforting bacon cheeseburger taste without derailing your health goals. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a lively game day get-together, or simply looking for a creative and satisfying snack, these savory cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this ingenious twist on a beloved classic!
Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb cooked extra lean ground beef
- 4 slices cooked low point bacon, crumbled
- 3 Tbsp ketchup
- 3 Tbsp mustard, I used a honey dijon
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2/3 cup light shredded cheese
- 24 wonton wrappers or 9 egg roll wrappers, I used egg roll wrappers as I didn’t have wontons
Instructions
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Cook both your ground beef and bacon separately on the stove top, drain fat. Crumble your bacon.
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Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 12 hole muffin tin.
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Press 1 wonton into your muffin cups, if using egg roll wrappers cut each wrapper into 4 pieces, press down 2 pieces into your muffin cups overlapping each other.
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In a bowl mix your cooked ground beef, cheese (leaving just a little aside to sprinkle on top), ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, 1/2 of your bacon and onion, mix well.
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Spoon mixture on top of wonton wrapper, then place another wonton wrapper on top and lightly push down, if using egg roll wrappers just place one of your 4 squares on top and push down. Top with remaining meat mixture, then sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.
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Bake in oven for 15 minutes, let cool for a few minutes and serve. Makes 12 cupcakes at 3sp or 3pp each.
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Nutritonal info (not incl onion) Per cupcake.. Calories 123…Fat 5.1g…Saturated fat 1.4g…Carbs 10.4g… Fiber 0.2g… Sugars 1.1g… Protein 9.4g
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes
These savory bacon cheeseburger cupcakes are not just a meal; they’re an experience! Their popularity stems from several key aspects. Firstly, the unique “cupcake” presentation makes them incredibly fun and appealing, especially for kids or as an appetizer for parties. Unlike a traditional burger, they’re easy to hold and eat, minimizing mess and maximizing enjoyment. The combination of the crispy wonton or egg roll wrapper with the tender, seasoned meat filling creates a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Beyond their novelty, these cupcakes offer a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors in a healthier, portion-controlled format. For those following Weight Watchers, finding satisfying yet point-friendly meals can be a challenge. With just 3 Smart Points per cupcake, this recipe provides a guilt-free indulgence, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. They’re quick to prepare, requiring only about 20 minutes of active prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet effective ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef: Choosing extra lean ground beef is crucial for keeping the Smart Points low without compromising on that essential beefy flavor. It provides a hearty base for our cheeseburger filling. Make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any residual fat to keep the cupcakes light and healthy.
- Low Point Bacon: Bacon adds that irresistible smoky, salty crunch. Opt for a low-point variety to maintain the Weight Watchers friendly aspect. Cooking it until it’s perfectly crisp and then crumbling it ensures every bite gets a piece of that delicious bacon.
- Ketchup and Mustard (Honey Dijon Recommended): These classic burger condiments are essential for authentic cheeseburger flavor. Using a honey dijon mustard adds a wonderful tangy sweetness that elevates the overall taste profile. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your preference, or even try other mustards like spicy brown for a kick.
- Bread Crumbs: A small amount of bread crumbs acts as a binder, helping the meat mixture hold its shape and ensuring a moist, tender filling. It also contributes to the overall texture.
- Diced Onion: Freshly diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef mixture, enhancing the savory flavors. If raw onion isn’t your preference, you can quickly sauté it before mixing to soften its bite.
- Light Shredded Cheese: What’s a cheeseburger without cheese? Using light shredded cheese helps keep the calories and fat down while still delivering that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend works wonderfully here. Remember to reserve a little for sprinkling on top for a beautiful golden finish.
- Wonton or Egg Roll Wrappers: These wrappers are the magic behind the “cupcake” format. Wonton wrappers are smaller and thinner, creating a delicate, crispy shell. Egg roll wrappers are larger, so you’ll cut them into quarters and overlap two pieces to form a sturdy cup. They both crisp up beautifully in the oven, providing the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft filling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Cupcakes
Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time:
- Prepare the Meats: Begin by cooking your extra lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, thoroughly drain any accumulated fat to keep the dish lean. In a separate pan, cook your low-point bacon until it’s delightfully crispy. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces. This dual cooking ensures both meats are perfectly prepared before mixing.
- Oven and Muffin Tin Prep: Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 12-hole muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the wrappers from sticking and help them crisp up nicely.
- Form the Wrapper Cups: If using wonton wrappers, gently press one wrapper into each muffin cup, shaping it to form a cup. If you’re using egg roll wrappers, cut each larger wrapper into four equal squares. For each muffin cup, you’ll use two squares, overlapping them slightly to create a more robust base and ensure full coverage. Press them down firmly into the muffin cups. The key is to create a well-formed cup that can hold the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, most of your light shredded cheese (remember to save a small amount for the topping!), ketchup, mustard (the honey dijon adds a lovely touch!), bread crumbs, half of your crumbled bacon, and the diced onion. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your cheeseburger cupcake!
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Spoon a portion of the meat mixture into each wonton or egg roll wrapper cup. Don’t overfill them, but make sure each cup has a generous amount. If using wonton wrappers, place another wonton wrapper on top of the filling and gently push down. If you’re using egg roll squares, simply place one of the remaining squares on top of the filling and lightly press. This creates a top crust that helps hold everything in and adds another layer of crispiness. Finally, sprinkle the remaining meat mixture, then the reserved cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon over the top of each cupcake. This ensures a beautiful, cheesy, and bacony crown.
- Bake and Serve: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The wrappers should turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes. This allows the wrappers to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove. Serve warm and enjoy! This recipe yields 12 delicious cupcakes, each proudly standing at 3 Smart Points (or 3 PersonalPoints on previous Weight Watchers plans).
- Nutritional Information: Per cupcake (not including onion): Calories 123, Fat 5.1g, Saturated fat 1.4g, Carbs 10.4g, Fiber 0.2g, Sugars 1.1g, Protein 9.4g.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your bacon cheeseburger cupcakes are always a triumph, consider these helpful tips and creative variations:
- Don’t Skip Draining the Fat: For both the ground beef and bacon, thoroughly draining the fat is essential. This not only keeps the cupcakes healthier and lower in points but also prevents the wrappers from becoming greasy and soggy.
- Perfectly Crispy Wrappers: For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly brush the edges of the wonton or egg roll wrappers with a tiny bit of olive oil or cooking spray before baking. This helps them achieve a beautiful golden brown color and a satisfying crunch.
- Ingredient Quality Matters: While the recipe is simple, using good quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Freshly diced onion and a flavorful mustard can elevate the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Option: The meat mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cupcakes and pop them in the oven. This is a great time-saver for meal prep!
Flavorful Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a bit of heat. You could also include finely diced jalapeños for a fresh spicy flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of light shredded cheese. Pepper Jack can add a spicy kick, while a blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers a creamy, classic melt.
- Miniature Pickles or Relish: For an authentic burger experience, finely chop some dill pickles or add a tiny dollop of sugar-free relish to the meat mixture or as a garnish after baking.
- Sesame Seeds: Before baking, sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top of the top wrapper to mimic a burger bun.
- Add Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers (any color) or even mushrooms can be sautéed with the onion and added to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- BBQ Twist: Substitute a portion of the ketchup with a low-sugar BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy barbecue cheeseburger cupcake.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
These Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As a Main Meal: Serve them alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Perfect Appetizer: Their bite-sized nature makes them an ideal appetizer for parties, potlucks, or game nights. Arrange them on a platter with extra ketchup and mustard for dipping.
- Lunchbox Hero: Pack them in lunchboxes for a fun and flavorful lunch that’s much more exciting than a standard sandwich. They taste great at room temperature too!
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, but for best results and to retain crispiness, pop them back into a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) or an air fryer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Conclusion
These Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes are a testament to how creative and delicious healthy eating can be. Combining all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience and fun of a cupcake, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and Weight Watchers friendly meal. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a party, and satisfying enough to become a staple in your kitchen. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try, and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a bacon cheeseburger!
Don’t forget to share your creations! We love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Tag @drizzlemeskinny and use #drizzlemeskinny on social media to show off your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Cupcakes!