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Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Quick, crowd-pleasing bites with gooey cheese perfect for weeknights or parties.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20) or swap to ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (plus extra for glazing)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 to 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend for mixing
  • 18–24 small mozzarella cubes (or cut a mozzarella string into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooking spray or a little olive oil for the pan
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Method
 

Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly grease it.
Soak the Breadcrumbs
  1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 3-4 minutes until the crumbs absorb the milk.
Make the Meat Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, oregano, and 3/4 cup shredded cheese. Gently mix with clean hands or a fork.
Portion the Meat
  1. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out about 1.5-tablespoon portions. Flatten each portion in your palm to form a small patty.
Add the Cheese Center
  1. Place a mozzarella cube in the center of each patty and wrap the meat around it, sealing the edges so the cheese stays inside.
  2. Roll into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet seam-side down.
Glaze (Optional)
  1. If you love that sweet-savory top, whisk together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Brush a little glaze onto each meatloaf bite before baking, saving some for a final brush.
Bake
  1. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the outside is lightly browned.
  2. If you used a glaze, brush one more time halfway through baking.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the bites rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat for tender bites; you can sauté the onion and garlic for extra flavor. These bites can be frozen before baking.