Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious, bite-sized twist on the classic comfort food. With melty cheddar cheese tucked inside seasoned ground beef and a tangy glaze on top, these mini meatloaves are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or fun family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatloaf bites offer everything you love about a traditional meatloaf in a convenient, flavorful form. Here’s why they’ll be a favorite:
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Perfectly portioned for easy serving
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Filled with gooey, melted cheddar cheese
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Moist and flavorful with every bite
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Great for kids, parties, or meal prep
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Quick to bake and easy to freeze
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No slicing needed—ready to serve as-is
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Customizable with different cheeses or seasonings
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Classic meatloaf flavor in a modern presentation
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Ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces
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Baked in under 30 minutes
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ground beef
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breadcrumbs
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milk
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large egg
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small onion, finely chopped
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garlic, minced
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salt
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black pepper
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Worcestershire sauce
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ketchup
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mustard
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grated cheddar cheese
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fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
directions
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Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. -
Make the meatloaf mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until well blended. -
Form the bites:
Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a bit of grated cheddar cheese in the center, then fold the meat around it to seal. Form into a ball and place it into the mini muffin tin. -
Repeat:
Continue with the remaining meat and cheese, filling each cup of the tin. -
Add topping:
In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup and mustard. Spoon a little over the top of each meatloaf bite. -
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the tops are slightly caramelized. -
Serve:
Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 20–24 mini bites
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Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal per bite
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Difficulty: Easy
Variations
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Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
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Italian-style: Use mozzarella cheese and top with marinara sauce.
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BBQ flavor: Replace ketchup and mustard with your favorite barbecue sauce.
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Turkey option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
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Bacon-wrapped: Wrap each bite in a small strip of bacon before baking.
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Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
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Stuffed with veggies: Mix in finely diced spinach, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition.
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Cheese blend: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for added flavor.
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Mini loaf pan: Use a mini loaf pan for larger portions.
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Keto-friendly: Omit breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave on medium heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
These bites also freeze well. Freeze after baking and cooling, and reheat from frozen in the oven for 15–18 minutes at 350°F.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the bites in the muffin tin, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Adjust seasoning slightly for leaner meats to maintain flavor.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to fully seal the meat around the cheese when forming the bites.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli are all excellent choices.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead.
Can I bake these in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes and use more meat mixture per cup.
Do I need to drain the fat after baking?
If there’s excess fat, carefully spoon it out of the muffin tin before serving.
Can I make these without a muffin tin?
Yes, shape into small balls and bake on a lined baking sheet. Watch the baking time closely.
How do I make them more moist?
Avoid overmixing the meat and ensure the proper ratio of meat to liquid ingredients (milk and egg).
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun, flavorful take on a beloved classic. Easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or quick weeknight meal. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of parsley and your favorite sauce for a crowd-pleasing bite that’s sure to disappear fast.
[tasty-recipe id=”18804″]