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:

Perfectly portioned for easy serving
Filled with gooey, melted cheddar cheese
Moist and flavorful with every bite
Great for kids, parties, or meal prep
Quick to bake and easy to freeze
No slicing needed—ready to serve as-is
Customizable with different cheeses or seasonings
Classic meatloaf flavor in a modern presentation
Ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces
Baked in under 30 minutes

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
breadcrumbs
milk
large egg
small onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
salt
black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
ketchup
mustard
grated cheddar cheese
fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

directions

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

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20–24 mini bites
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal per bite
Difficulty: Easy

Variations

Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Italian-style: Use mozzarella cheese and top with marinara sauce.
BBQ flavor: Replace ketchup and mustard with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Turkey option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Bacon-wrapped: Wrap each bite in a small strip of bacon before baking.
Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
Stuffed with veggies: Mix in finely diced spinach, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Cheese blend: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for added flavor.
Mini loaf pan: Use a mini loaf pan for larger portions.
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.