(Mini Meatloaf with Gooey Cheese Center)
Meatloaf just got a serious upgrade! These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites combine the hearty, savory flavors of traditional meatloaf with the indulgence of melted cheese at the heart of every bite. Packed with protein and flavor, these mini meatloafs are an ideal appetizer, snack, or family meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 12 meatloaf bites
- Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal
- Protein per Serving: ~20g
- Carbs per Serving: ~5g
- Fat per Serving: ~18g
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Bites:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are preferred for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup milk (any type of milk will work, including almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for moisture and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds a rich, savory depth to the flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for stuffing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional garnish, adds a pop of color)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping, to get that ooey-gooey cheese layer on top)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for drizzling on top of the meatloaf bites to enhance flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that the meatloaf bites cook thoroughly and the cheese inside gets nice and melted while keeping the outside crispy and flavorful.
Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can use a mini muffin tin if you want perfectly uniform-sized meatloaf bites.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients for the meatloaf mixture:
- Ground beef: This is the base of your meatloaf. You can use either lean ground beef for a lower-fat version, or regular ground beef for a juicier and more flavorful option. If you prefer a leaner version, you could also use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully here because they help the meatloaf bites stay tender on the inside while providing a slightly crunchy texture. If you prefer, you can use regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers if that’s what you have on hand.
- Milk: Add 1/4 cup of milk to the mixture. This helps to keep the meatloaf bites moist. If you’re dairy-free, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or another milk alternative.
- Ketchup: The ketchup provides both moisture and a slight tangy sweetness that enhances the flavor of the meatloaf. It also helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring that your meatloaf bites hold their shape during baking.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These two are essential for adding that classic savory flavor that we love in meatloaf. They provide a warm, aromatic profile that complements the beef.
- Black pepper and salt: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. These basic seasonings elevate the flavor of the meatloaf without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: This magical ingredient gives the meatloaf a rich umami flavor that really brings the dish to life. It pairs perfectly with the beef and helps to deepen the flavor profile of your bites.
Using your hands or a spatula, mix all of the ingredients together until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in a tough texture.
3. Form the Meatloaf Bites
Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatloaf bites.
Take a generous 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball, ensuring that it’s compact. Gently press your thumb into the center of each meatball to create a small indentation.
Now, stuff each indentation with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese. Carefully seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring that it’s fully enclosed. This step ensures that the cheese melts inside, creating a deliciously gooey surprise when you bite into them.
4. Bake the Meatloaf Bites
Arrange your stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. You can also place them in a mini muffin tin for perfectly shaped meatloaf bites.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatloaf bites for 15–20 minutes or until they are fully cooked through. The cheese should be melted and the outside should be golden brown.
Tip: If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature of the meatloaf bites should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Top with Mozzarella and Ketchup
Once your meatloaf bites are out of the oven, it’s time for the finishing touches. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each meatloaf bite, creating a melty, cheesy topping. For an extra tang, drizzle ketchup on top of the mozzarella before returning the bites to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes. Bake until the mozzarella has fully melted and is slightly bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
After the mozzarella has melted, remove the meatloaf bites from the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the meat and cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Stuffing: The cheesy surprise in the middle of each meatloaf bite is what makes these so special! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or cream cheese for a creamier filling.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, try adding finely chopped veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to the meat mixture. Sauté them first to soften them before adding them in.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add some heat and flavor to the meat mixture.
Customizations & Variations
| Swap/Addition | For | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey | Ground beef | A lighter, leaner version of these meatloaf bites |
| Bacon bits | No bacon | Adds a smoky richness and extra flavor |
| Spicy ketchup | Regular ketchup | A spicy kick to balance the cheese |
| Sautéed veggies | Plain meat mixture | Adds moisture, flavor, and extra nutrients |
| BBQ sauce topping | Ketchup topping | Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a new flavor twist |
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair these cheesy meatloaf bites with a fresh green salad like a Caesar salad or Crispy Kale Salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even sour cream for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Add some garlic bread or breadsticks on the side for a more filling meal.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These meatloaf bites freeze wonderfully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are the perfect comfort food, with all the rich, savory flavors you love about meatloaf, but in a mini, fun-to-eat form. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or as a full meal, they’re sure to be a hit. The stuffed cheese center is an irresistible treat that will leave everyone wanting more.