Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Introduction

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. Imagine tender morsels of seasoned ground beef bursting with gooey cheese at their center. These bites are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings. The blend of textures and flavors makes each bite satisfying, and you can always customize them to suit your family’s preferences. Trust me, once you serve these up, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why make this recipe

What makes this recipe special

There are countless reasons to whip up these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites. They’re not only budget-friendly, but they also come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights. Kids adore them, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love cheese? You can easily sneak in some extra veggies, making them a convenient way to boost nutrition without it feeling like a chore.

"These meatloaf bites are a hit at our dinner table! I love that my kids devour them, and they’re easy enough for me to whip up on a hectic evening." – Satisfied Mom

How to make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

The cooking process explained

Creating these delicious meatloaf bites is straightforward and takes minimal effort. You’ll combine your ingredients, shape the meat, stuff it with cheese, and bake. It’s a fun process, especially if you involve the kids! Here’s a brief look at how it all comes together:

1. Preheat your oven.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Shape the cheesy centers.
4. Bake until golden and gooey.

Ingredients

What you’ll need

To make these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites, gather the following ingredients. Feel free to customize based on what you have in your pantry!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 3 to 4 ounces cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup ketchup (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Substitution notes: Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef, and feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier twist!

Directions

Step-by-step instructions

Ready to make your meatloaf bites? Follow these easy steps for delicious results:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Mix until fully combined.
3. Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
4. Place a cheese cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball.
5. Repeat until the mixture is used up.
6. Arrange the meatloaf bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush the tops with the additional ketchup and mustard for a flavorful finish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

How to serve Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Best ways to enjoy it

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. For a family-friendly dinner, consider pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant salad for balance. They also make a fantastic appetizer alongside dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue. For a fun twist, you could serve them in slider buns for a meatloaf sandwich experience!

How to store

Storage and reheating tips

To ensure your leftovers are safely stored, allow the Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites to cool completely first. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply arrange the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-friendly container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to make

Helpful cooking tips

For perfect meatloaf bites, here are a few extra tips:

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture; you want it to stay tender.
• Ensure the cheese cubes are adequately sealed in the meat to prevent leakage during baking.
• Try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and a nutritional boost.

Variations

Creative twists

Feel free to experiment with your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites! Substitute the cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick or experiment with different herbs and spices like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can incorporate quinoa or finely diced vegetables into the meat mixture. The opportunities are endless!

FAQs

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare these meatloaf bites?
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for baking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well and will yield a lighter version of this recipe.

How do I know when they’re fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the meat to be browned and firm to the touch.

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are bound to impress at any table, and with these straightforward instructions and creative ideas, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the family’s favorite chef!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Tender morsels of seasoned ground beef filled with gooey cheese, perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a healthier twist.
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup For brushing the tops.
• 1 tablespoon mustard For mixing and brushing.
• 3 to 4 ounces cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cubed

Garnishes

• 1/4 cup ketchup For garnish.
• 1 teaspoon mustard For garnish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Mix until fully combined.
• Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
• Place a cheese cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball.
• Repeat until the mixture is used up.
• Arrange the meatloaf bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Brush the tops with the additional ketchup and mustard for a flavorful finish.

Cooking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For perfect meatloaf bites, don’t overmix the meat mixture; you want it to stay tender. Ensure the cheese cubes are sealed in the meat to prevent leakage during baking. Try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and a nutritional boost.

Keyword Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Meatloaf Bites, Quick Recipe