Here’s a fun, bite-sized twist on classic meatloaf: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites—perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients (Makes ~12–16 bites)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 4–6 oz cheese, cut into small cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix the Meat:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork).
- Form Bites:
- Take a small portion of meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of cheese in the center, then fold the meat around it to fully enclose.
- Shape into small balls or mini meatloaf “bites.”
- Bake:
- Place bites on the prepared baking sheet or in muffin tin.
- Brush or dollop ketchup/BBQ sauce on top of each bite.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until meat is cooked through (160°F / 71°C internal temperature for beef) and cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Let cool 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Great with extra ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a creamy dip.
💡 Tips:
- Freeze uncooked bites for a quick meal—bake straight from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to cooking time.
- For extra flavor, mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked bacon.
- Swap cheese types for surprise fillings—pepper jack adds a spicy kick!
If you want, I can also give an Air Fryer version that makes them extra crispy on the outside while keeping the cheese molten inside. Do you want me to do that?
