Description
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delightful twist on classic meatloaf, featuring flavorful ground beef mixed with seasonings and breadcrumbs, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect as a family-friendly appetizer or a fun dinner option, with a savory ketchup or BBQ sauce topping adding a tangy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
Topping
- 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Make the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to ensure ingredients are incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form the bites: Take a portion of the meat mixture roughly the size of a golf ball and flatten it slightly. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center, then carefully mold the meat around it, fully encasing the cheese.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each stuffed meatball into the prepared muffin tin cups, spacing them evenly to allow for cooking.
- Add topping: Spoon a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top of each meatloaf bite to add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C) and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf bites cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tins. Serve warm with extra ketchup or BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf bites tender.
- If you prefer, substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meatloaf bites every time.
- These meatloaf bites can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, or frozen for longer storage.
