Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp mustard; 4 oz cubed cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred melting cheese)

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Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf. Packed with savory beef, aromatics, and a gooey cheese center, these mini bites are perfect for appetizers, party snacks, or a family-friendly dinner. I love how each bite is moist, seasoned just right, and oozes with cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these meatloaf bites because they cook quickly, are easy to serve, and are just plain fun to eat. The cheesy center makes them feel indulgent, while the meatloaf mix stays juicy thanks to the addition of milk, breadcrumbs, and egg. They’re perfectly portioned, which makes them great for kids, meal prep, or sharing with friends at gatherings. Plus, I get all the comfort of meatloaf without having to slice and serve a big loaf.

Ingredients

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

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Milk
Large egg
Small onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Cubed cheese (for stuffing – cheddar or mozzarella works great)

Directions

I preheat the 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, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. I mix until everything is well incorporated.
I take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in my hand, placing a cube of cheese in the center. Then, I wrap the meat around the cheese to form a sealed ball.
I place the stuffed meatloaf bites into the prepared baking tin or on the baking sheet, making sure the seam is sealed to keep the cheese from escaping.
I bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese is melted inside.
I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the cheese doesn’t burn my mouth.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 bites, depending on the size. It serves 4–6 people. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and bake time is 20 minutes, making the total time roughly 35 minutes. These are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a party platter.

Variations

Different Cheeses: I love using cheddar, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss all work wonderfully.
Add Veggies: I sometimes add finely grated zucchini or carrot into the meat mixture for extra moisture and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: I mix in a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeño for a spicier version.
BBQ Glaze: Instead of ketchup and mustard, I brush the tops with barbecue sauce for a smoky finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. They also freeze well—once cooled, I freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat from frozen, I bake at 350°F for about 15–18 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of cheese works best for stuffing?

I usually go with cheddar or mozzarella since they melt well and add great flavor. I just make sure to use a firm block of cheese, not shredded.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them in advance and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s great for party prep or busy nights.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure to fully seal the meat around the cheese. Pressing the edges together well helps prevent leaks.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. I’ve made these with ground turkey and they turn out just as tasty—just be sure not to overcook them to keep them moist.

What can I serve with these?

I like serving them with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or even on slider buns with extra sauce for a fun mini sandwich.

Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are everything I love about comfort food in a bite-sized form. They’re flavorful, melty, easy to prepare, and always a hit no matter the occasion. Whether I’m making a batch for dinner or a tray for a party, they disappear fast and leave everyone wanting more.