These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a crowd-pleasing twist on classic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Each mini meatloaf holds a hidden pocket of oozy cheddar, wrapped in juicy, seasoned beef and glazed with a tangy ketchup-mustard topping. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and playful bite-sized fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens
Preps quickly for easy weeknight dinners
Cheddar cheese melts perfectly inside
Small bites make it ideal for kids and parties
Bakes up with addictive caramelized edges
My family always lights up when they see these hit the table I first baked a batch thinking I would have leftovers but every single one vanished in minutes The cheese centers are everyone’s favorite surprise
Ingredients
Ground beef: One pound of fresh ground beef gives these bites their hearty base Always choose beef with a bit of fat so they stay juicy
Breadcrumbs: A half cup helps bind the mixture and keep it light Opt for plain or panko and avoid seasoned for better flavor control
Milk: A quarter cup creates a tender meatloaf texture Whole or two percent milk work best but you can use non dairy in a pinch
Egg: One large egg holds everything together for even baking Go for free range eggs when possible
Small onion finely chopped: This adds sweet flavor and moisture Use yellow onions and chop as finely as possible so they blend in smoothly
Garlic: Two cloves minced for depth Fresh garlic over jarred brings sharper taste
Salt and black pepper: A teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper balance seasoned flavor Use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for best results
Worcestershire sauce: One teaspoon gives a subtle savory kick A pantry staple that adds big flavor
Ketchup and mustard: A half cup ketchup and a tablespoon mustard create that classic tangy glaze Choose ketchup with no high fructose corn syrup and classic yellow mustard for authenticity
Cheddar cheese: A half cup grated is tucked inside for gooey centers Select sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact freshly grated melts smoother than bagged
Fresh parsley: Chopped for the mixture and extra for garnish Look for vibrant green leaves for maximum freshness
Instructions
Make the Meat Mixture:
