Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that packs classic comfort flavor into bite-sized perfection, these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are about to become your go-to recipe. They’re everything you love about a hearty meatloaf—juicy beef, a touch of onion and garlic, melty cheddar at the center, and a tangy-sweet glaze—all transformed into irresistible, poppable morsels. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites hit every mark, delivering family-friendly flavor with a fun twist you’ll want to share again and again.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites is how approachable they are—each ingredient brings something important to the table, whether it’s bold flavor, tender texture, or that swoon-worthy cheesy center. Gather these pantry and fridge staples to whip up a tray of pure comfort!

Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful bites that don’t dry out in the oven.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat together, giving each bite a tender yet structured texture.
Milk: Adding a splash of milk softens breadcrumbs, resulting in extra moist meatloaf bites.
Egg: The humble egg is an essential binder, ensuring each bite holds together beautifully.
Onion: Finely chopped onion infuses the meat mixture with sweetness and moisture.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add a flavor punch that takes these bites up a notch.
Salt: A teaspoon is just right to bring all those savory flavors together.
Black Pepper: Just enough for a little gentle heat and extra depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: This classic seasoning adds umami richness and subtle tang.
Grated Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—tucked inside for a gooey, molten surprise in every bite.
Ketchup: A meatloaf staple, ketchup brings sweetness and tang to the glazed finish.
Mustard: Mixed into the glaze for a zesty kick that balances out the richness.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of color and freshness, both in the mix and as a garnish.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also ensures your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites don’t stick and brown up nicely all the way around.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a big mixing bowl, add your ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Here’s the trick: mix everything until it’s just combined. Overmixing can make your meatloaf bites tough, so use gentle hands—think of it as folding a cake batter.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff

Take a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, and don’t worry about making it perfect. Place a small heap of grated cheddar in the center, then wrap the meat around it, rolling gently to seal it into a ball. Every bite will have that oozy, cheesy payoff. Place them on your prepared baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Glaze for Flavor

In a little bowl, stir together the ketchup and mustard to make your sweet-tangy glaze. Brush a nice layer over the top of each meatloaf bite—this not only adds beautiful color and shine, but the flavor contrast against the savory meat and molten cheese center is magic.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your tray of Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites in the hot oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. The anticipation is totally worth it—the aromas filling your kitchen will have everyone hovering nearby.

Step 6: Garnish and Devour

Once they’re cooked, pull the bites from the oven and shower them with a little extra chopped parsley for that fresh, herby finish. Serve them up warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley is all you need to bring a restaurant-worthy pop of color and freshness to Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites. If you want to take it up a notch, try a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan or a quick dash of smoked paprika for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

These bites are wonderfully versatile—pair them with classic mashed potatoes and green beans for retro supper-club charm, or serve with roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or even toothpick-ready party snacks like pickles and olives for a fun buffet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

They make a brilliant appetizer when arranged on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping. Or, pile them atop mini slider buns with lettuce and tomato for adorable meatloaf sliders. They’re also a lunchbox hero (kids love them!) tucked alongside cut veggies and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites left (good luck!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for weekday snacking or a quick meal.

Freezing

Want to double up your batch for later? These freeze beautifully! Cool the cooked bites completely, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay at their best for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, you can bake them in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is nice and gooey again (about 10 minutes from thawed, a bit longer from frozen). A quick zap in the microwave works, too—just cover with a damp paper towel so they stay moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for the filling?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a smoky gouda. Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are endlessly flexible, so use your favorite!

Can I make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites gluten-free?

You sure can—just sub in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or even use crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is already gluten-free, so everyone can join in on the goodness.

What’s the best way to keep them moist?

The key is not to overmix the meat and to bake just until done. The milk and breadcrumbs help lock in moisture, and wrapping the meat mixture carefully around the cheese ensures every bite is juicy and tender.

Can I make them ahead for a party?

Definitely! Form and fill the meatloaf bites ahead of time, arrange them on a tray, and refrigerate (covered) until you’re ready to bake. Fresh-from-the-oven Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites make entertaining a breeze and taste just as fabulous.

What dipping sauces go well with these bites?

Kids and adults alike love dunking these bites in classic ketchup, extra glaze, ranch, or even a smoky barbecue sauce. The flavor-packed center pairs well with a variety of dips, so go wild and set out a few for maximum fun.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat for every get-together, celebration, or cozy night in. Give them a try—they’re easy, wildly delicious, and bound to bring smiles to everyone at your table!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf, featuring a savory mixture of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun family dinner!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meat tender.
Form Meatloaf Bites: Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a small amount of grated cheddar cheese in the center, and fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and mustard. Brush this glaze over each meatloaf bite.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American