Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites 🧀🍖
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of meatloaf—unless you take it up a notch and turn it into bite-sized, cheese-filled meatloaf bites. These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites have everything you love about a traditional meatloaf but are mini, melty, and perfectly portioned. Tucked inside each is a pocket of cheddar that oozes with every bite, all topped with a tangy ketchup-mustard glaze.
Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or appetizers, these are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Portion-perfect bites for easy serving and sharing
- Cheddar-stuffed centers that melt into every mouthful
- Simple pantry ingredients, but big comfort food flavor
- Kid-approved, party-friendly, and freezer-friendly
- Classic meatloaf flavor, with a cheesy twist!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Base:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, and parsley.
- Mix until fully combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
3. Form the Bites:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten in your hand.
- Add a pinch of cheddar in the center and mold the meat around it to form a ball.
- Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture.
4. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and mustard.
- Brush the top of each meatball generously with glaze.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bites are fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F) and tops are glazed and caramelized.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Tips for Success
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized bites
- Don’t overmix the meat—it keeps the texture tender
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of BBQ sauce to the glaze
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for variety
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These meatloaf bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- Over mashed potatoes or with roasted veggies
- On skewers with cherry tomatoes and pickle slices for parties
- As sliders with mini buns and extra cheese
- Alongside Beer Cheese Dip for the ultimate game-day platter
- With Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a hearty appetizer spread
- Or next to Dorito Casserole for a full-on comfort food feast
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked bites up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more craveable, cheesy comfort food, check out:
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Dorito Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are everything you love about classic meatloaf—with a fun, flavorful twist. They’re melty in the middle, savory on the outside, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a little cheesy magic, these bites have you covered.
Tag @chefmaniac if you try them, and follow for more comforting, family-friendly meals that never disappoint.
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