Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

These bite-sized Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food! Stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese and glazed with a tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, they’re perfect as hearty appetizers or individual-sized portions of a traditional main dish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for parties, appetizers, or portion-controlled dinners.
• Packed with bold, comforting flavors.
• Easy to prepare and customizable with different fillings or glazes.
• Fun, bite-sized version of classic meatloaf.
• Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf Bites:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Meatloaf Bites

2. Form the Bites: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small disc. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and wrap the meat mixture around it, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf Bites

3. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini-muffin tin for easy cleanup.
4. Bake: Place the meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet or in the muffin tin. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Baking

5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and mustard until smooth.
6. Add the Glaze: Remove the meatloaf bites from the oven and brush the tops with the glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the internal temperature of the meatloaf bites reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Serve

7. Serve Hot: Let the meatloaf bites rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with dipping sauces or sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20 bites
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Different Cheeses: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• BBQ Glaze: Swap the ketchup-mustard glaze for barbecue sauce.
• Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Veggie Boost: Add finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meat mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatloaf bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great alternatives to ground beef.

2. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to completely seal the cheese inside the meat mixture, pressing the edges together tightly.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the meatloaf bites and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I air fry these meatloaf bites?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the glaze during the last 3 minutes.

5. What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?

Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping.

6. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones to make the recipe gluten-free.

7. Can I make these bites larger?

Yes, adjust the size as desired, but increase the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

8. How do I know the meatloaf bites are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

9. Can I add herbs to the mixture?

Yes, parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning are great additions to enhance the flavor.

10. What sides pair well with these bites?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, family dinners, or even meal prep. With their gooey cheese centers and tangy glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at any table. Try them today and enjoy this delicious take on a comfort food favorite!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Featuring tender, seasoned meatloaf stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese and topped with a tangy ketchup-mustard glaze, these bite-sized treats are perfect as appetizers or a fun twist on a classic dinner.

 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Produce:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)

Refrigerated:

• 1 large egg

Condiments:

• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Baking & Spices:

• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Bread & Baked Goods:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Dairy:

• 1/4 cup milk
• 20 small cubes of cheddar cheese (about 1/2 inch each)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with non-stick liners.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated, but do not overmix.

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Assemble the Meatloaf Bites:

3. Shape the Meatballs:
   • Take about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small disc in your hand. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
4. Place in Tin:
   • Place each meatball into the prepared mini muffin tin.

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Make the Glaze and Bake:

5. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix ketchup and mustard (1:2 ratio, about 1 tbsp ketchup and 2 tbsp mustard, or adjust to taste). Brush the glaze over the top of each meatloaf bite.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

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Serve:

7. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef.
• Add 1 tsp of smoked paprika or chili powder to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.