Dinner

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

ByRita Bennet December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

Introduction

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for parties or a comforting snack. These bite-sized treats are packed with a savory meat mixture and melted cheese in the center, baked to golden perfection.

The image shows a close-up of several baked meatballs on a white plate, stacked slightly on each other. Each meatball has a golden-brown crust and is topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese and sprinkled with small bits of green parsley. One meatball is cut open, revealing a soft, moist interior with a gooey, creamy white cheese melting out from the center, adding a rich texture contrast. The white plate is resting on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk
1 large egg

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup, divided
1 tbsp mustard
3–4 oz cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cubed

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, and mustard. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of cheese in the center, then carefully roll the meat around the cheese to form a ball.
Step 4: Place each meatball into the greased muffin tin, arranging them evenly.
Step 5: Mix the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup with the mustard. Spoon a small amount of this mixture onto the top of each meatloaf bite.

Step 6: Bake the meatloaf bites for 18–22 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Allow the meatloaf bites to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooey texture and flavor.

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added veggies.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Make sure to seal the cheese completely inside the meat to prevent leakage during baking.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them crispy outside. You can also freeze the bites for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a round meatball with a textured brown outer crust and a melted yellow and white cheese filling oozing from the middle, held by a woman's hand on the left side of the image. The meatball is topped with more melted cheese and finely chopped green herbs, sitting on a white plate. In the background, more similar meatballs are visible, also covered in melted cheese and green herbs, all placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these meatloaf bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.

What can I serve with cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites?

They pair well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. For parties, serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce.