Description
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are mini versions of the classic comfort food, filled with gooey melted cheese and baked to perfection. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect as appetizers, snacks, or mini main courses.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan or baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture into your hand, flatten it slightly, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese and shape into a small ball or bite-sized loaf.
- Place each meatloaf bite into the muffin pan or on a lined baking sheet.
- Top each with a small dollop of ketchup.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a flavor twist.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake straight from frozen with 5 extra minutes of cook time.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, veggies, or pasta for a full meal.
- Check one bite before serving to ensure cheese is fully melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American