Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites – A Bite-Sized Comfort Food Delight

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meat Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
2. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bites tender.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

1. Take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
2. Place a small cube of cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball.
3. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese, placing each meatball into the mini muffin tin.

Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)

1. In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard.
2. Brush the tops of each meatloaf bite with the glaze for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and cheese starts to melt inside.
2. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before removing them from the tin.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Hot: These bites taste best fresh from the oven with a side of ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variants

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each meatloaf bite in a half-slice of bacon before baking for an even richer flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and skip the honey in the glaze.
• Veggie-Packed: Mix in finely grated zucchini or carrots to sneak in extra nutrients.

FAQ

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great, but since they’re leaner, you may want to add an extra teaspoon of olive oil to keep them juicy.

2. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the cheese cube is fully enclosed within the meat mixture. You can also freeze the cheese cubes for 10 minutes before stuffing to help them hold their shape.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella gives a gooey stretch, cheddar adds a sharp bite, and pepper jack brings a little spice—choose your favorite!

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and shape the meatloaf bites, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

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