Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites – Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan or baking dish.
2️⃣ Make the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
3️⃣ Stuff the Bites:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten slightly in your hand. Place a cube of cheese in the center, then wrap the meat around it to seal completely. Roll into a ball and place into the mini muffin tin or on a lined baking sheet.
4️⃣ Add Toppings (Optional):
Top each meatloaf bite with a small dollop of ketchup or BBQ sauce for that classic meatloaf finish.
5️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted. The tops should be browned and slightly crispy.
6️⃣ Serve and Garnish:
Let cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor!
Pro Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Bites:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: 85/15 works great—juicy without being greasy.
- Keep Cheese Cold: Cold cheese cubes hold their shape better while baking and melt perfectly inside.
- Mini Muffin Tins = Even Cooking: They keep the bites uniform in size and help with crispy edges.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites:
- Gooey Surprise Inside: Who doesn’t love melty cheese in the middle?
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Ideal for snacking, lunchboxes, or meal prep.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: All the nostalgic flavors of meatloaf—just more fun and bite-sized!
Nutritional Info (per 2 meatloaf bites, approx.):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
FAQ About Cheesy Meatloaf Bites:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning and monitor cooking time to avoid dryness.
Can I freeze them?
Yes—cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda—choose your favorite! Just keep the cubes small so they melt evenly.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Cheese leaking out?
Make sure the meat fully surrounds the cheese cube—press the edges tightly closed before baking.
Bites too dry?
Add a splash more milk or an extra tablespoon of ketchup to the mix for added moisture.
Not browning on top?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispier finish (just keep a close eye on them!).
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning and stuff with mozzarella. Serve with marinara.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat.
- BBQ Twist: Mix BBQ sauce into the meat and top with crispy fried onions after baking.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
From dinner parties to picky eater-approved family meals, these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are easy to make, totally customizable, and always a hit. They reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day!
Success with Cheesy Meatloaf Bites:
Quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing—these little bites deliver big flavor in every gooey, cheesy, meat-packed mouthful. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them on repeat!
Tried them? Share your cheesy meatloaf magic and tag us—we want to see your bite-sized creations!
