Here’s a fun, bite-sized, and ultra-comforting recipe for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites—juicy on the inside with a gooey cheese center and a savory glaze on top. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients (makes about 18–24 bites)
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
- 4–6 mozzarella string cheese sticks
Cut into 1-inch pieces (or use small cubes of block mozzarella)
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Optional: a dash of hot sauce
Instructions
1. Prep the mixture
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let sit 2 minutes to soften.
- Add ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overwork.
2. Shape and stuff
- Scoop about 1½ tbsp of meat mixture (a cookie scoop works great).
- Flatten it slightly in your hand, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap the meat around it.
- Roll into a sealed ball.
- Place in a greased mini muffin tin or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Add glaze
- Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Spoon or brush a little of the glaze on each meatloaf bite.
4. Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C).
- Let cool 2–3 minutes before removing—they’ll be hot and cheesy inside!
Serving Ideas
- Serve with toothpicks as appetizers.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or mac & cheese for a full meal.
- Dip in extra ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch.
Tips
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
- Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan to the meat mix for extra flavor.
- For a spicy version, mix 1 tsp chili flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat.
If you’d like, I can also give you a BBQ cheddar version, air fryer version, or low-carb keto version!
