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Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious twist on classic meatloaf, featuring juicy ground beef filled with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese cubes. Baked to perfection in a muffin pan and topped with a tangy and sweet ketchup glaze, these bite-sized treats are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a fun dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Filling

  • 4 oz (115 g) cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 small cubes

Glaze

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Other

  • Nonstick cooking spray for the muffin pan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, plain breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, finely grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients just until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork or compact the meat.
  3. Add the cheese centers: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your hand, place one cheese cube in the center, and wrap the meat completely around the cheese to enclose it fully.
  4. Arrange in the muffin pan: Shape each stuffed portion into a compact ball and place one into each prepared muffin cup. Press down gently so each meatloaf bite sits securely in the pan.
  5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth, then spread or spoon a thin layer over the top of each meatloaf bite.
  6. Bake until cooked through: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are browned on top and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest before serving: Let the meatloaf bites sit in the pan for about 5 minutes after baking. Carefully remove them from the pan and serve warm while the cheese inside is soft and melted.

Notes

  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Feel free to substitute the cheese with your favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
  • You can prepare the meatloaf bites ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
  • This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd using multiple muffin pans.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Keywords: meatloaf bites, cheesy meatloaf, stuffed meatloaf, appetizer, easy meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cheesy-stuffed-meatloaf-bites-recipe/