Introduction
Craving classic comfort food with a fun twist? 🧀🥩 These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are everything you love about traditional meatloaf—juicy, flavorful, and satisfying—transformed into bite-sized portions with a gooey, cheesy surprise in the center.
Perfect as a family-friendly dinner, game day appetizer, or party snack, these mini meatloaves are both comforting and exciting. Plus, they bake quickly, making them a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a beef/pork mix)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Filling
- 6–8 cheese cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
For the Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (optional)
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meat Mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix).
Step 2: Assemble the Meatloaf Bites
- Divide mixture into 6–8 portions.
- Flatten each portion in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, then wrap meat mixture around to fully enclose.
- Place each stuffed meatball into the muffin tin.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Spoon glaze over each meatloaf bite.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving—cheese inside will be hot and gooey!
Tips for Success
- Use mozzarella for that dramatic cheese pull, or cheddar for a sharp flavor punch.
- Avoid overmixing the meat to keep bites tender.
- Line your muffin tin with parchment liners for easy cleanup.
- Double the batch—they disappear fast at parties!
Nutrition (per meatloaf bite, 6 servings)
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic mini-dinner.
- Serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer.
- Dip into barbecue sauce or ranch for extra flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze (uncooked or baked) for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C).
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites bring together the nostalgia of meatloaf and the fun of molten cheese in one irresistible package. Whether for weeknight dinners or party platters, they’re guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, just reduce baking time slightly since they cook faster.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for bold flavor, or pepper jack for spice.
Q3: Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely—assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q4: Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds a sweet-savory finish. Try barbecue sauce as an alternative.
Q5: Do kids like this recipe?
Definitely—cheese inside makes them extra fun and tasty!
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