In a large bowl add ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg chopped onion minced garlic salt black pepper and Worcestershire sauce Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly combined but do not overwork the meat or it can become tough
Shape and Fill the Bites:
Take a golf ball sized piece of the meat mixture and flatten it into your palm Place about a teaspoon of grated cheddar right in the center then shape the meat up and around the cheese to fully enclose making sure no cheese is exposed Place the finished ball onto a parchment lined baking sheet Continue shaping and filling the rest of the mixture
Glaze the Tops:
In a separate small bowl combine the ketchup and mustard stirring until smooth Using a pastry brush or spoon spread a layer of glaze over each uncooked meatloaf bite making sure it coats the tops for that caramelized finish
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in a preheated 375 degree oven Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bites are cooked through the glaze is bubbly and the tops are nicely caramelized If you want extra browning turn on the broiler for the final two minutes
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for five minutes before serving Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and a fresh herby note Serve warm with extra glaze if desired
A plate of cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites, ready to be enjoyed.
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A plate of cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites, ready to be enjoyed. |
You Must Know
Packed with protein from beef and cheese
Great for meal prep and reheats well
Classic flavors that appeal to all ages
Can be made gluten free with alternative breadcrumbs
My personal favorite part is that molten cheddar in the middle There is pure joy every time we break one open and the cheese stretches For my family this recipe has turned regular weeknights into something we actually look forward to
Storage Tips
Leftover meatloaf bites can be cooled completely then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze individually on a tray before transferring to a zip top bag They reheat easily in the oven or air fryer so you can enjoy that gooey cheese anew
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or even try a blend for extra juiciness Gluten free breadcrumbs work perfectly here If you do not have cheddar mozzarella or pepper jack will also melt beautifully inside
Serving Suggestions
Pile these bites onto a platter for parties or pair with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a cozy dinner They also work great as sliders tucked into soft buns with extra glaze or served atop greens for a protein packed salad
Cultural and Historical Notes
Meatloaf is a staple comfort dish in American homes going back to the early 1900s Mini versions like these bring that homey flavor into bite sized form so you can serve them as party snacks or as an easy family meal My own grandmother made hers in a loaf pan but I love this fun twist that everyone can grab by hand
A plate of delicious cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites.
Pin it
A plate of delicious cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites. |
Pro Tips
Mix the meat mixture gently so the bites stay tender not dense
Seal the cheese fully within each meatball or it may melt out while baking
If you want a little kick add a pinch of cayenne to the ketchup mustard glaze for extra flavor
These bites are warm, cheesy, and always gone in a flash at our house. Serve them fresh for the best taste and enjoy a modern classic that will win over any crowd.
Meatloaf Bites
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are packed with savory ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and a melty cheddar cheese center, topped with a tangy glaze.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 Servings (16 meatloaf bites)
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Main
450 grams ground beef
60 grams breadcrumbs
60 milliliters whole milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
60 grams ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until blended thoroughly.
Flatten a portion of the meat mixture in your palm, place a small amount of grated cheddar cheese in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
In a small bowl, combine ketchup and mustard. Brush the glaze over the top of each meatloaf bite.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely caramelized on top.
Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure meatloaf bites are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Let the bites rest a few minutes after baking to allow cheese to settle inside.
Tools You’ll Need
Oven
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
