Juicy, flavorful mini meatloaves stuffed with gooey melted cheese—these bite-sized wonders are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers!
🥄 Recipe Card
Servings: 12 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
✅ Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef + pork for extra flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced (or ½ tsp onion powder)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- ½ cup ketchup (or marinara sauce), for topping
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for spice
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.
- Mix the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix or the meat will get tough).
- Form the bites: Take about 2 tbsp of meat mixture, flatten it slightly, and place a cube of cheese in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a ball. Place into the muffin tin.
- Top with sauce: Spoon a little ketchup (or marinara) on top of each bite.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through (internal temp 160°F / 70°C).
- Serve hot and watch the cheese ooze out when you cut into them!
💡 Quick Notes
- Using a muffin tin keeps the bites evenly shaped and helps them cook faster.
- For extra gooeyness, use mozzarella cheese. For a sharp bite, go with cheddar.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.
✨ Introduction
Classic meatloaf gets a fun twist in these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites! Instead of one big loaf, you get perfectly portioned, cheese-filled mini loaves that bake in less time and are easy to serve. They’re family-friendly, kid-approved, and make a great grab-and-go protein option.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Mix the seasoned meat mixture.
- Shape into balls and stuff with cheese.
- Place in muffin tin, top with sauce.
- Bake until juicy and golden.
That’s it—you’ll have gooey, savory bites in under 40 minutes!
🧀 Ingredient Substitutions
- Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or oat flour for gluten-free.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Beef/Pork: Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner bites.
- Sauce topping: Try BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
🍴 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Mini Sliders: Serve in small buns for party sliders.
- Meal Prep: Pack with roasted veggies or a side salad for lunch.
- Party Platter: Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or marinara.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Freeze before or after baking (wrap tightly) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per bite, approx.)
Calories: 130 | Protein: 11g | Carbs: 5g | Fat: 8g
Allergens: Dairy, gluten (use GF breadcrumbs + cheese alternatives if needed).
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make these without a muffin tin?
A: Yes—just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Shape and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I keep them juicy?
A: Don’t overmix the meat, and don’t overbake—check for doneness with a thermometer.
💭 Personal Note
I started making these when I wanted meatloaf without the long baking time—and let me tell you, the cheesy center was a game-changer! Now they’re a staple in my kitchen, especially for busy weeknights when everyone wants something comforting but quick.
