Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Mini, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting — these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are the perfect weeknight dinner, party snack, or meal-prep favorite. Imagine juicy, seasoned meatloaf wrapped around a melty cheese core. They’re bite-sized happiness in a muffin tin!

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 18–20 bites

Dietary Notes
✔️ Kid-Friendly
✔️ Freezer-Friendly
✔️ High-Protein

Ingredients (Quick Checklist):

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, divided
1 tbsp mustard
3–4 oz cheddar or mozzarella cheese (cubed)
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Tools Needed:

Mini muffin tin
Mixing bowl
Measuring utensils
Oven
Scoop or spoon

Instructions (Quick View):

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease muffin tin.
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, ¼ cup ketchup, and mustard.
Flatten 2 tbsp meat mixture, add a cheese cube, roll into a ball, and place in tin.
Top with remaining ketchup-mustard mix.
Bake 18–22 minutes until cooked through (160°F/71°C).
Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

✨ Introduction

Forget boring meatloaf — these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites take everything you love about the classic dish and turn it into a fun, cheesy, bite-sized snack. Perfect for weeknight dinners, kids’ lunchboxes, or even game-day spreads, they’re hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive.

🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Tin
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.

Recommended Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, and mustard. Mix until evenly combined — but don’t overmix, or the bites may get tough.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese
Scoop ~2 tbsp of meat mixture, flatten it, place a cube of cheese in the center, and roll into a ball. Nestle each ball into the muffin tin.

Step 4: Add Topping Sauce
Stir the remaining ketchup and mustard together. Spoon a little over each meatloaf bite for a tangy glaze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake 18–22 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C).

Step 6: Rest & Serve
Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy warm.

🧑‍🍳 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can replace beef.
Cheese: Mozzarella = gooey and mild, cheddar = bold and sharp. Try pepper jack for spice!
Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra texture or almond flour for low-carb.
Glaze: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce or chili sauce for a twist.

🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions

Mini Sliders: Serve bites in slider buns with extra cheese.
Low-Carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Meal Prep: Make ahead, refrigerate, and reheat in the air fryer for crispy edges.

Serving Ideas:

With mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner.
On a platter with dipping sauces for parties.
Packed into lunchboxes with veggie sticks.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooked bites up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Reheat: Microwave for a quick warm-up, or air-fry for crispy edges.

📊 Nutrition (per bite, est.)

Calories: 95 kcal

Protein: 6g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 6g

Allergens: Contains dairy, gluten, and egg.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
A: Yes, just increase the cooking time to 25–28 minutes.

Q: Can I prep them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely — assemble the bites, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: What cheese melts best?
A: Mozzarella is oozy, while cheddar gives a stronger flavor. Both are great!

💬 Call-to-Action

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites prove that comfort food can be fun-sized and irresistible.

👉 Would you serve them as a party snack with dipping sauces or as a weeknight family dinner?

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.