Name: Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 large egg; ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup milk; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; ⅓ cup ketchup (plus extra for topping); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 12 cubes sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a fun twist on the classic meatloaf. These bite-sized morsels are filled with gooey melted cheese and topped with a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or even game day snacks, they deliver bold flavor in every bite.

The magic lies in the center—a pocket of cheddar cheese that melts into the tender meat, creating an ooey-gooey surprise. These meatloaf bites are easy to prepare, make ahead-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Serve them with mashed potatoes, green beans, or on their own as a savory appetizer.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites turn out perfectly every time, here are the essential tools and why each is important:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of large bowls for combining the meat mixture and preparing the glaze. Using separate bowls avoids cross-contamination and keeps things organized.
Muffin Tin: A non-stick 12-cup muffin tin helps portion the bites evenly and keeps them moist while baking. The walls of the tin give structure and allow the glaze to caramelize around the edges.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures your bites are fully cooked without drying out. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 160°F.

Wooden Spoon or Hands: Mixing by hand or with a wooden spoon helps distribute ingredients evenly without overworking the meat, which can lead to a dense texture.
Cheese-Stuffing Tool (optional): You can use your fingers, but a melon baller or small scoop can help neatly tuck cheese into the center of each meatball.
Cooling Rack + Baking Sheet (optional): If you prefer a crisper texture on all sides, you can place the muffin tin on a baking sheet with a rack to allow airflow around the bites.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, whether it brings flavor, structure, or that signature melty-cheese center.

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): This ratio gives the perfect mix of lean meat and fat for juicy bites.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.

Breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned): Adds texture and helps absorb moisture for a tender meatloaf.
Milk: Keeps the meat mixture moist and soft.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings depth and umami to the flavor profile.

Ketchup: Mixed in and used as a glaze for a classic tangy-sweet finish.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential dry seasonings for that bold, savory base.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cubes: The gooey heart of every bite—melts perfectly inside.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as garnish.

How To Make the Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with parchment cups for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup (reserve some for topping), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and form into a small patty in your hand. Place a cube of cheddar in the center, then fold the meat around it to form a ball. Place the ball into one muffin cup. Repeat until all are filled.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Top each meatloaf bite with a small spoonful of ketchup. This glaze adds flavor and a glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F. The glaze should be slightly caramelized and the cheese fully melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store These Cheesy Bites

These meatloaf bites are best served warm, straight from the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the glaze is perfectly sticky. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or tuck them into slider buns for a party snack.

To store leftovers, place cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave for a quick meal. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack can also be delicious.

Can I make these meatloaf bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and shape them, then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

No problem. Shape them into balls and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They may spread a bit more but will still be tasty.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, but opt for a higher-fat blend to keep them moist, and reduce baking time slightly as poultry cooks faster.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the cheese cube is well-sealed in the meat mixture. A thicker layer of meat around the cheese helps prevent leaks.

Are these good for meal prep?

Very! They reheat well and can be used in lunchboxes, bowls, or quick dinners throughout the week.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites won your heart, you might love these other savory weeknight hits:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with creamy ham-and-cheese goodness.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a bold, messy favorite.
Taco Ranch Bites if you’re craving southwest flair.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for the ultimate kid-approved bite.

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken packed with garlicky crunch.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy cheese? Did the kids love them as after-school snacks?

I love hearing your takes on these fun, cheesy bites. Don’t hesitate to share your questions or tips with our kitchen community!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12 meatloaf bites

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are savory, juicy, and packed with a cheesy center. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep, each bite delivers comfort food satisfaction in a mini format.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment cups.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.

3. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten into a patty. Place a cube of cheddar in the center, wrap the meat around the cheese, and roll into a ball.

4. Place each stuffed meatball into a muffin cup. Repeat with remaining mixture.

5. Top each bite with a small spoonful of ketchup.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.