Description
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are savory mini meatballs filled with gooey melted cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect as appetizers, lunchbox treats, or kid-friendly dinners, these baked bites combine juicy ground beef with flavorful seasoning for a deliciously satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Filling
- 3 ounces cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Topping & Garnish
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meat Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the bites tender.
- Shape Meatloaf Bites: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place one cheese cube in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around it, forming a ball to fully enclose the cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Arrange and Top: Place the formed meatloaf bites into the prepared mini muffin tin or onto the lined baking sheet. Add a small dollop of ketchup on top of each bite for added flavor and a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal meat is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted, bubbling inside each bite.
- Serve and Garnish: Let the meatloaf bites cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- These bites make perfect appetizers, lunchbox snacks, or kid-friendly dinners.
- Try using pepper jack or gouda cheese for a tasty flavor variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
