Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, combining juicy ground beef with a cheesy mozzarella center. Perfectly seasoned and baked until golden, they make a great appetizer or family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please every crowd.
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 gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid making the meat tough.
- Form the bites: Take a small portion of the meat mixture roughly the size of a golf ball. Flatten it slightly, place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and wrap the meat completely around the cheese to seal it inside.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each stuffed meatball in the prepared muffin tin, fitting snugly so they maintain their shape while baking.
- Add topping: Spoon a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf bite to add moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Let the meatloaf bites cool slightly before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm with extra ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture as this can result in tough meatloaf bites.
- For a lower fat option, you can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for varied flavors.
- These meatloaf bites can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time from frozen.
- Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed to avoid leaking during baking.
