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These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a crowd-pleasing twist on classic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Each mini meatloaf holds a hidden pocket of oozy cheddar, wrapped in juicy, seasoned beef and glazed with a tangy ketchup-mustard topping. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and playful bite-sized fun.
My family always lights up when they see these hit the table I first baked a batch thinking I would have leftovers but every single one vanished in minutes The cheese centers are everyone’s favorite surprise
Ingredients
- Ground beef: One pound of fresh ground beef gives these bites their hearty base Always choose beef with a bit of fat so they stay juicy
- Breadcrumbs: A half cup helps bind the mixture and keep it light Opt for plain or panko and avoid seasoned for better flavor control
- Milk: A quarter cup creates a tender meatloaf texture Whole or two percent milk work best but you can use non dairy in a pinch
- Egg: One large egg holds everything together for even baking Go for free range eggs when possible
- Small onion finely chopped: This adds sweet flavor and moisture Use yellow onions and chop as finely as possible so they blend in smoothly
- Garlic: Two cloves minced for depth Fresh garlic over jarred brings sharper taste
- Salt and black pepper: A teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper balance seasoned flavor Use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for best results
- Worcestershire sauce: One teaspoon gives a subtle savory kick A pantry staple that adds big flavor
- Ketchup and mustard: A half cup ketchup and a tablespoon mustard create that classic tangy glaze Choose ketchup with no high fructose corn syrup and classic yellow mustard for authenticity
- Cheddar cheese: A half cup grated is tucked inside for gooey centers Select sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact freshly grated melts smoother than bagged
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for the mixture and extra for garnish Look for vibrant green leaves for maximum freshness
Instructions
- Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl add ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg chopped onion minced garlic salt black pepper and Worcestershire sauce Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly combined but do not overwork the meat or it can become tough
- Shape and Fill the Bites:
- Take a golf ball sized piece of the meat mixture and flatten it into your palm Place about a teaspoon of grated cheddar right in the center then shape the meat up and around the cheese to fully enclose making sure no cheese is exposed Place the finished ball onto a parchment lined baking sheet Continue shaping and filling the rest of the mixture
- Glaze the Tops:
- In a separate small bowl combine the ketchup and mustard stirring until smooth Using a pastry brush or spoon spread a layer of glaze over each uncooked meatloaf bite making sure it coats the tops for that caramelized finish
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in a preheated 375 degree oven Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bites are cooked through the glaze is bubbly and the tops are nicely caramelized If you want extra browning turn on the broiler for the final two minutes
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for five minutes before serving Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and a fresh herby note Serve warm with extra glaze if desired
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My personal favorite part is that molten cheddar in the middle There is pure joy every time we break one open and the cheese stretches For my family this recipe has turned regular weeknights into something we actually look forward to
Storage Tips
Leftover meatloaf bites can be cooled completely then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze individually on a tray before transferring to a zip top bag They reheat easily in the oven or air fryer so you can enjoy that gooey cheese anew
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or even try a blend for extra juiciness Gluten free breadcrumbs work perfectly here If you do not have cheddar mozzarella or pepper jack will also melt beautifully inside
Serving Suggestions
Pile these bites onto a platter for parties or pair with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a cozy dinner They also work great as sliders tucked into soft buns with extra glaze or served atop greens for a protein packed salad
Cultural and Historical Notes
Meatloaf is a staple comfort dish in American homes going back to the early 1900s Mini versions like these bring that homey flavor into bite sized form so you can serve them as party snacks or as an easy family meal My own grandmother made hers in a loaf pan but I love this fun twist that everyone can grab by hand
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These bites are warm, cheesy, and always gone in a flash at our house. Serve them fresh for the best taste and enjoy a modern classic that will win over any crowd.