Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious twist on classic meatloaf, featuring a gooey mozzarella center surrounded by seasoned ground beef and topped with tangy ketchup or BBQ sauce. Perfect as a family-friendly appetizer or main dish, they bake quickly in the oven and are served warm for a comforting bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing and Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (for stuffing)
- 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prepare for baking.
- Make the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form the bites: Take a golf ball-sized portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and fully enclose it by shaping the meat around the cheese, forming a meatball.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each stuffed meatball upright in the prepared muffin tin, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Add topping: Spoon a small amount of ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top of each meatloaf bite to add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and the mozzarella is melted inside.
- Serve: Allow the meatloaf bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm with additional ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier option, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- These bites can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Try different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavor.
