Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites 🧀🥩

Mini meatloaf, mega flavor! These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites take everything we love about classic meatloaf and transform it into fun, bite-sized portions filled with gooey cheese. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and reveal a molten cheese core with every bite. Perfect for parties, game nights, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep. 😋

Why You’ll Love These Bites

• ✅ Kid-friendly: Cheesy centers make them fun to eat.
• ✅ Perfect portions: Serve as appetizers or main course.
• ✅ Freezer-friendly: Great for prepping ahead.
• ✅ Flexible: Use beef, pork, turkey, or chicken.

Ingredients

Meatloaf Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix beef and pork) – 450 g
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – 50 g
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – 25 g
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Filling

• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes – 115 g

Optional Glaze

• 2 tbsp ketchup mixed with 1 tbsp brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.

Step 2: Make Meat Mixture

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix or bites will be tough).

Step 3: Form & Stuff

Take a small portion of meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold and roll into a ball. Place in muffin tin.

Step 4: Glaze (Optional)

Brush tops with ketchup-brown sugar glaze for a sweet-savory finish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C). Serve hot!

Chef Tips

• Gordon Ramsay: “Always caramelize onions slightly before adding for deeper flavor.”
• Ina Garten: “Mix gently with your hands—too much stirring makes meat dense.”
• Ree Drummond: “Add barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for smoky depth.”
• Bobby Flay: “Try different cheeses—pepper jack or cheddar add character.”

Nutrition & Health Benefits (Per 2 Bites)

Health & Safety Notes

• Cook beef to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Use pasteurized cheese for food safety.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; store up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C).

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate raw bites up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze raw or cooked. Cook from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes.

3. Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely—just reduce cook time slightly since it’s leaner.

4. What cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack add fun twists.

5. How to avoid cheese leaking out?

Seal meat tightly around cheese cubes. Chill 15 minutes before baking for best results.

6. Can I make them without breadcrumbs?

Yes, substitute crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour for gluten-free.

7. How many does this recipe make?

About 18–20 bites, depending on size.

8. Can I air fry these?

Yes, at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once.

9. Are these good for kids?

Yes, just avoid spicy cheese and glaze for picky eaters.

10. What sides pair best?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Related Recipes on Fresh Toner Hungar

• Delicious Meatball Variations
• Easy Party Appetizers
• Family Comfort Food Recipes

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are proof that good things come in small packages. Juicy, savory, and filled with cheesy goodness, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether served as appetizers or as the star of a family dinner. 🧀🥩