Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious and fun twist on traditional meatloaf. Perfectly seasoned ground beef surrounds gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to juicy perfection in a muffin tin. Ideal as a family-friendly appetizer or main dish, these bites bring comfort food to bite-sized form with a savory ketchup or BBQ sauce topping.
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, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined, taking care not to overwork the meat which could make it tough.
- Form the bites: Take a golf ball-sized portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center, then carefully shape the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely to form a ball.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each stuffed meatball into the prepared muffin tin cups.
- Add topping: Spoon a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of each meatloaf bite for added flavor and a beautiful glaze.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked (internal temperature 160°F/71°C) and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Allow the meatloaf bites to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm with extra ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a juicier meatloaf bite, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- You can swap mozzarella cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meat, but panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as alternatives.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
- These bites can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for quick reheating.
