Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food snack, these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites hit all the right notes. With savory ground beef seasoned to perfection and a gooey mozzarella surprise inside, they’re deliciously bite-sized, crowd-friendly, and totally addictive. Whether you’re hosting game night, meal prepping for the week, or need a hearty appetizer, these cheesy meatloaf muffins are a standout favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about meatloaf… especially when it’s tiny, cheesy, and ready in under an hour? I love how these little bites capture all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic meatloaf but with a fun, sharable twist. They’re easy to make ahead, kid-approved, and endlessly versatile. Pair them with dipping sauces or pack them for a protein-packed lunch—either way, they’re a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Swaps & Notes
- Meat options: You can swap half the ground beef for pork or turkey for a different flavor.
- Cheese twist: Try using cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for a spicier kick.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor or gluten-free if needed.
- Make it saucy: Serve with marinara, ranch, or even BBQ sauce for dipping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the meat mixture around it. Pinch to seal.
- Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
- Place the meatloaf bites in the muffin tin or on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this can lead to tough bites.
- Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to avoid leaks.
- Freeze uncooked bites for later and bake straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness—aim for 160°F internal temp.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These bites are fantastic on their own or as part of a game day spread. Pair them with:
And don’t forget dessert: Big Family Banana Pudding rounds out the meal perfectly!
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheating: Air fryer or oven is best to keep them crispy on the outside.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Beer Cheese Dip
- Totchos – Tater Tot Nachos
- Dorito Casserole
- Big Family Banana Pudding
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for gatherings—they’re a cheesy, meaty, perfectly poppable dream.
If you try them, leave a comment below and let me know what you paired them with! And don’t forget to follow along for more crowd-pleasing creations from my kitchen to yours.
Bon appétit!
— Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com
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