Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or a mix with pork); 0.5 cup breadcrumbs; 0.25 cup milk 1 large egg; 0.25 cup finely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 12 cubes cheddar cheese; 0.25 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

Craving comfort food with a twist? These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are everything you love about traditional meatloaf, transformed into tender, cheesy, hand-held portions. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or even kid-friendly lunches, these mini bites pack big flavor in every bite.

Each meatball-style bite features a gooey cheese-filled center and a tangy glaze on top, baked until perfectly caramelized and golden. Serve them with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or on their own for a snackable, satisfying dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

What Ground Meat Works Best for These Bites?

A mix of ground beef and pork gives the best flavor and juiciness for these mini meatloaf bites. However, ground beef alone (preferably 80/20 for balance) works great too. For a leaner version, try ground turkey or chicken, though you may want to add extra seasoning and a bit more moisture like ketchup or grated onion.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

Ground Beef (or a mix with pork) – The hearty base for the bites.

Breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together and gives structure.

Milk – Softens the breadcrumbs for moisture.

Egg – Acts as a binder and holds the bites together.

Onion and Garlic – For savory depth and aromatic base flavor.

Cheddar Cheese Cubes – The cheesy surprise stuffed inside each bite.

Ketchup or BBQ Sauce – For the tangy-sweet glaze on top.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami depth.

Salt and Pepper – Essential seasoning.

Parsley (optional) – For a fresh finish and garnish after baking.

How To Make the Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a mini muffin tin or standard muffin tin, depending on your desired portion size.

Step 2: Soften the Breadcrumbs

In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let sit for 2–3 minutes until fully absorbed. This keeps the meatloaf bites moist and tender.

Step 3: Make the Meat Mixture

To the breadcrumb mixture, add ground beef, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bites tender.

Step 4: Form and Stuff

Take about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a ball. Place each stuffed ball into a muffin cup.

Step 5: Glaze and Bake

Top each meatloaf bite with a small spoonful of ketchup or BBQ sauce. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and the tops are slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

These mini meatloaf bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a main course alongside mashed potatoes and green beans, or stack them on slider buns for a fun party platter. They’re also great with mac and cheese or over rice for a weeknight meal.

Leftovers? No problem. Store cooled meatloaf bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges and melty centers.