Cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites

Here’s a fun and delicious recipe for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites — mini meatloaves with gooey cheese centers, perfect for dinner, parties, or meal prep! 🧀🍖

🧆 Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Serves: 12–16 bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25–30 min

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 4 oz (115 g) cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   • 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a mini muffin pan or regular muffin tin.
2. Make the meat mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix or it can get tough).
3. Form the bites:
   • Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the meat mixture into your hand, flatten slightly.
   • Place a cube of cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it to seal.
   • Place in the muffin tin.
4. Add the glaze:
   • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.
   • Spoon or brush a little glaze over each bite.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until meat is cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 71°C) and the glaze is bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
   • Serve warm with mashed potatoes, veggies, or as appetizers.

🧀 Tips & Variations

• Cheese ideas: Try pepper jack, Swiss, or string cheese pieces for fun flavors.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Add hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
• Meal prep: These reheat perfectly — store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Would you like me to give you an air fryer version of these cheesy meatloaf bites (crispier edges, faster cook time)?