Simple Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe: Irresistible Party Hits

Meatloaf takes an unexpected twist with these delectable cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites that promise pure comfort.

Small packages deliver massive flavor in every single morsel.

Crispy exterior gives way to a molten cheese center that melts perfectly.

Each bite combines savory ground meat with rich, gooey cheese for an irresistible combination.

Compact and simple, these miniature delights work wonderfully as appetizers or hearty snack options.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these crowd-pleasers in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with a classic dish reimagined into something spectacular.

FAQs on Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Why use both ground beef and ground pork?

The combination creates a more complex flavor and helps keep the meatloaf bites juicy and tender.

• Can I make these meatloaf bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and shape the bites in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to completely seal the meat around the cheese and not overfill each bite. Pressing the edges firmly helps create a tight seal.

• Are these meatloaf bites kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The small size, cheesy center, and sweet glaze make them perfect for children and picky eaters.

Why Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Are So Delicious

• Pop-Size Party Pleasers: These mini meatloaf bites transform traditional meatloaf into adorable, bite-sized portions perfect for gatherings and social events.
• Cheese-Packed Flavor Explosion: Stuffed with melted mozzarella and cheddar, each bite delivers a gooey, savory center that guarantees maximum deliciousness.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple modifications like adding different herbs, swapping meats, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Speedy Crowd-Pleaser: Quick preparation and short cooking duration make these meatloaf bites an ideal solution for busy households craving a satisfying, protein-rich meal.

Components of Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Ground Beef: Provides the primary rich and savory foundation for the meatloaf bites.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Help bind the meat together and create a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty undertone to the meatloaf mixture.

• Onion, Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Create a robust and aromatic flavor profile for the meatloaf bites.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provide a gooey and melty center that adds richness and flavor.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce: Combine to create a sweet and tangy coating for the meatloaf bites.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped onion
• Milk
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix everything until just combined. Don’t overmix or your bites will become tough and dense.

Step 2: Prepare Cheesy Centers

• Shredded mozzarella
• Shredded cheddar

Carefully fold the meat around the cheese, creating perfect little balls. Tuck each one into the muffin tin compartments.

Step 3: Craft Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce

Drizzle a small amount of this sweet-savory glaze over each meatloaf bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the meatloaf bites cool for a few minutes. These little flavor bombs are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or part of a hearty meal. Watch them disappear in seconds!

Helpful Hints for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter texture for the meatloaf bites.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor instead of using pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Ensure even mixing of ingredients by using your hands, which helps distribute seasonings uniformly throughout the meat mixture.
• Consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the overall taste profile of the meatloaf bites.
• Allow meatloaf bites to rest for a few minutes after baking to help them hold their shape and prevent cheese from oozing out completely.

Variations on Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Mini Mediterranean Meatloaf Bites: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese inside for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf Bites: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and use salsa instead of ketchup glaze for a zesty kick.
• Bacon Cheedar Ranch Meatloaf Bites: Mix crispy chopped bacon bits into meat mixture, stuff with cheddar cheese, and drizzle ranch dressing on top after baking for extra richness.
• Asian Fusion Meatloaf Bites: Add ginger and soy sauce to meat mixture, stuff with mozzarella, and glaze with teriyaki sauce for an international flair.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors and cut through the cheesy goodness.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatloaf bites and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the savory meat and enhances the cheesy, umami notes of the dish.
• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sriracha mayo or garlic aioli to add an extra layer of zesty flavor that complements the meatloaf bites.

Proper Storage of Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Store leftover meatloaf bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place bites on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through to ensure even warming.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites bring comfort and excitement to classic dinner fare. Packed with melted cheese and rich flavors, these bite-sized delights will satisfy hearty appetites and delight dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Cheese and Dairy:

• 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) milk
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Fillers:

• 0.5 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup (40 grams) finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are just incorporated.
2. Heat oven to 375F. Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly. Create small meat patties in your palm, creating a small well in the center of each.
3. Place a generous pinch of mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the center of each meat patty. Carefully fold and seal the meat around the cheese, forming compact spherical bites.
4. Position cheese-filled meatloaf bites into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring they are snugly seated.
5. Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl to create a glossy glaze.
6. Drizzle a thin layer of prepared glaze over each meatloaf bite, ensuring even coverage.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, monitoring until meat reaches 160F internal temperature and cheese becomes golden and melted.
8. Remove from oven and let meatloaf bites rest for 3-4 minutes to stabilize their structure and allow cheese to set.
9. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish optionally, and serve warm as an appetizer or main course accompaniment.

Notes

• Ensure meat mixture isn’t overmixed to keep bites tender and prevent tough texture.
• Choose lean ground beef and pork for lighter, less greasy meatloaf bites.
• Use silicone mini muffin pans for easier removal and cleanup of delicate bites.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg