Looking for a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized dish that combines the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf with a gooey, cheesy surprise? Look no further than these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites! Perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or a fun party appetizer, these bites pack big flavor into a small package. They’re simple to make, full of protein, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or paired with mashed potatoes, these bites are sure to become a household favorite now let’s cooking our Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheesy Filling:
- 6–8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1/2-inch)
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough meatloaf bites. - Assemble the Meatloaf Bites
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small patty in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then gently fold the meat mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used. - Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if using). Set aside. - Bake the Meatloaf Bites
Arrange the meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush each bite generously with the glaze. - Cook Until Perfect
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a bite reads 160°F (71°C). During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can add an extra glaze for a glossy finish. - Serve and Enjoy
Allow the meatloaf bites to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Use Cold Cheese: Cold mozzarella cubes hold their shape better during baking, preventing them from completely melting out of the bites.
- Keep Your Hands Wet: Wetting your hands slightly can make shaping the meatloaf mixture easier and less sticky.
- Test for Seasoning: If you’re unsure about the seasoning, cook a small piece of the meat mixture in a skillet before forming the bites. Adjust salt and spices if needed.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover meatloaf bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Place cooled meatloaf bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Options: Try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative to create a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Nutrition Details
(Per serving, assuming 4 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.)
FAQ
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bites and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them uncooked and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time. - Why is my cheese leaking out?
Ensure the cheese cubes are completely enclosed in the meat mixture, with no gaps or thin spots. Using cold cheese can also help. - What can I serve with these?
These bites pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also shine on their own as an appetizer. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe scales easily for larger groups. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and space in your oven.
