I’m thrilled to share this tasty twist on a family favorite. These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are everything I love about classic meatloaf—juicy, flavorful, and comforting—but baked into fun, bite-sized portions with a cheesy surprise in the center. They’re perfect for dinner, parties, or even as an appetizer that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these little bites take something familiar and make it exciting again. Each piece has a crispy outside, tender meat inside, and a gooey melted cheese core that makes every bite irresistible. They’re easy to make, bake quickly, and reheat beautifully. Plus, I can customize the cheese or add extra spices depending on what I’m craving that day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ cup grated cheddar cheese (for stuffing)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Combine gently until evenly mixed.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese, forming a ball and sealing the edges.
Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and mustard together. Brush this glaze over the tops of the meatloaf bites.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the tops are browned and slightly caramelized.
Let them rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 20 meatloaf bites.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Perfect for 4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
Variations
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or provolone for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Replace breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a crunchier texture.
Mix in some finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra moisture and flavor.
Make it mini—bake in a mini muffin pan for perfect party appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For freezing, I let the bites cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
FAQs
How do I know when the meatloaf bites are cooked?
I use a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), they’re perfectly done and safe to eat.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the bites and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop them in the oven—no extra steps needed.
What cheese works best for stuffing?
I prefer cheddar for its flavor and melt, but mozzarella or provolone also give a nice stretchy texture.
Can I make these in a muffin tin?
Absolutely! I spray a muffin tin lightly with oil and place each bite in a cup. This helps them hold shape and stay juicy.
What can I serve them with?
I like to serve these with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a dipping sauce like barbecue or spicy ketchup.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are my go-to when I want something cozy, flavorful, and easy. They turn a traditional comfort dish into something fun and bite-sized, with the perfect balance of savory meat and melted cheese. Every time I make them, they disappear fast—and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite at your table too.
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites take the comforting flavor of classic meatloaf and turn it into fun, bite‑sized rounds with a gooey cheese center — perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian‑seasoned)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ cup grated cheddar cheese (for stuffing)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just mixed.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten into your palm. Place about 1 tablespoon of grated cheddar in the center, then fold the meat around the cheddar to form a ball, sealing the edges.
Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. In a small bowl, mix ketchup and mustard, then brush this glaze over the tops of each bite.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches about 160 °F for ground beef) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} and the tops are browned and slightly caramelized.
Allow the bites to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack or provolone depending on your preference.
For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes into the meat mixture.
Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs can replace the regular breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
These bites reheat well and freeze beautifully — bake, cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring into freezer bags.
