Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 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 ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; Cheese cubes or shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

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These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic comfort food. I love how they combine all the familiar flavors of meatloaf with a gooey, cheesy surprise in the center. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or weeknight dinners, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver big flavor in small packages, and these meatloaf bites are exactly that. They’re tender, juicy, and filled with melted cheese, making them completely irresistible. I can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and they pair well with everything from mashed potatoes to a crisp green salad. Plus, they’re a great way to switch up the usual meatloaf routine. Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
Cheese cubes or shredded cheese (for stuffing, cheddar or mozzarella work great)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet.
In a large bowl, I combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. I mix everything together until just combined—being careful not to overwork the meat.
I scoop a small amount of the meat mixture into my hands, flatten it slightly, and place a cube or small pinch of cheese in the center. Then I fold the meat around the cheese to form a bite-sized ball.
I repeat this with the remaining mixture, placing each meatloaf bite into the prepared pan.
In a small bowl, I stir together the ketchup and mustard, then spoon a bit over the top of each meatloaf bite.
I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bites are cooked through and the tops are slightly caramelized.
I let them cool for a few minutes before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is perfectly melty.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 meatloaf bites, depending on size. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, so I can have them ready in about 35 minutes.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. I sometimes add chopped spinach or grated carrots to the mix for extra veggies. For the cheese, I’ve used everything from pepper jack for a spicy kick to smoked gouda for a rich, savory flavor. I also like trying barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist. Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds until warmed through. They also freeze well—I just freeze them after baking and reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave when I need a quick meal.

FAQs

Can I make these meatloaf bites ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep and form the bites ahead, then refrigerate them until I’m ready to bake. I can also freeze them raw or cooked.

What kind of cheese works best?

I like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for their meltiness and flavor. Cubed or shredded both work, as long as it’s enough to create that cheesy center.

Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, I sometimes use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour as a substitute, depending on what I have on hand.

How do I keep the meatloaf bites from drying out?

Adding milk and not overbaking helps a lot. I also make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids love the cheesy center and small size. I sometimes skip the mustard in the topping or serve it on the side if I want a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving them as appetizers or building a fun dinner plate, they always bring smiles. With their juicy meat, flavorful filling, and gooey cheese core, they’re everything I love about meatloaf—just in a more delicious, snackable form.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites