Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

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Get ready for a savory, melty bite-sized treat that will instantly become a favorite at your table: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites. Imagine everything you love about classic meatloaf—hearty ground beef, aromatic spices, a sweet-tangy glaze—all tucked around pockets of gooey cheddar. These tasty morsels are incredibly irresistible, making them ideal as an appetizer, party snack, or even a fun twist on weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or hosting a gathering, Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites promise flavor in every bite and smiles all around.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is how it brings together staple ingredients most of us already keep on hand. Each plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and that perfect golden finish—don’t skip a single one!

Ground Beef: The heart of these bites—choose 80/20 or 85/15 for juiciness and full flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and adds a light, tender crumb.
Milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs for a softer, more succulent bite.
Egg: Acts as the glue to hold the meatloaf mixture in perfect nugget form.
Onion: Adds sweetness and texture—finely chopping helps it blend seamlessly.
Garlic: For a savory kick that infuses every bite.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all the savory elements.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle bit of heat to round out the flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that wonderful umami and depth meatloaf is famous for.
Grated Cheddar Cheese: The star stuffing—cheese pulls guaranteed!
Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, this forms the base of that oh-so-necessary glaze.
Mustard: Just a touch for zing and balance in the glaze.
Fresh Parsley: For color, freshness, and a hint of herby goodness (plus extra for that finishing flourish).

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use this time to line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites, not scrubbing pans!

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated—overmixing can make the texture dense, but with a gentle hand, your bites will turn out perfectly juicy every time.

Step 3: Form the Meatloaf Bites

Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of the meat mixture. Flatten each one gently in your palm, pop a small spoonful of grated cheddar cheese in the center, and then wrap the meat fully around the cheese to form a compact ball. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, and repeat. This is where the magic happens—the cheese will melt inside, so every bite is a little surprise.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and mustard. Brush this simple yet flavor-packed glaze generously over each unbaked meatloaf bite. Not only does it keep the bites moist, but it also caramelizes in the oven for that sticky, crave-worthy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden and the glaze is bubbling ever so slightly. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know they’re done when the bites are cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve your meatloaf bites warm so you can savor that gooey cheese at its best.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Garnishes

A shower of bright green parsley is a classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even finely diced chives for a little extra zing. For a pop of color and crunch, scatter some red pepper flakes or finely chopped bell pepper on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp leafy salad, or even some classic roasted vegetables. For a party spread, keep it playful with mini slider buns, potato wedges, or even a platter of fresh veggie sticks and a simple dipping sauce on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites a snazzy upgrade by serving them on skewers with alternating cherry tomatoes or pickles. Arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic look, or pile them high in a serving bowl with little toothpicks for easy snacking—kids and grownups alike won’t be able to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the bites are completely cooled before sealing them to help maintain their juicy texture.

Freezing

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites freeze beautifully! Lay the cooked (and cooled) bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just pull a few out whenever you need a quick snack or meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For single servings, the microwave will do the trick—just use short bursts to avoid overcooking. For the best results, cover them with foil to lock in moisture and keep that cheese nice and melty.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just note that leaner meats can dry out more easily, so consider adding a bit more milk or a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for extra juiciness.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the meat mixture fully surrounds the cheese and that each bite is tightly sealed all around. If you see a few bits oozing out in the oven, don’t worry—that caramelized, crispy cheese at the edges is a secret bonus treat!

Are these bites spicy?

By default, Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño into the meat mixture for a spicy twist.

What type of cheddar cheese works best?

A sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds plenty of flavor, but you could also experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but grating your own from a block melts even more smoothly.

Can I prep Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge (uncooked) for up to a day before you plan to bake them. Perfect for prepping ahead when you want a stress-free mealtime.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, nostalgic flavors packed into every mouthful of Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-satisfying—just what you need for any gathering or cozy night at home. Give them a try and watch them vanish in no time!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, with a gooey cheddar cheese center and a flavorful glaze. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun family dinner!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender.
Form Meatloaf Bites: Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a small amount of grated cheddar cheese in the center, and fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and mustard. Brush this glaze over each meatloaf bite.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American