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Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready to bake your meatloaf bites.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, chopped onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.
2. Form the Meatloaf Bites
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatloaf bites. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at a time and form it into small meatball-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly in the palm of your hand to create a mini patty.
3. Stuff with Cheese
Now comes the fun part: stuffing the meatloaf bites with cheese! Take a small cube (about 1-2 teaspoons) of your shredded cheese and press it into the center of each patty. Then, carefully seal the meat around the cheese, making sure the cheese is completely enclosed inside the meat mixture. This will ensure you get that gooey, cheesy surprise when you bite into the meatloaf.
Repeat the process for the rest of the meat mixture, making about 12-15 meatloaf bites, depending on how large or small you shape them.
4. Bake the Meatloaf Bites
Place the stuffed meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the outside is golden brown.
If you’d like, you can brush the tops of the meatloaf bites with a little extra ketchup during the last 5 minutes of baking for a nice glossy finish and a bit of extra tang.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meatloaf bites are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the cheese set and make them easier to serve.
Serve these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or salad. They also make an excellent appetizer when served with dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to get creative with your cheese selection. Cheddar is a classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack adds a fun twist with different flavors and textures. You can also mix cheeses for even more depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff: When adding cheese to the center of the meatloaf bites, be careful not to overstuff them. You want just enough cheese to melt and create that gooey center but not so much that it leaks out during baking.
- Add Extra Flavors: Want to take your cheesy meatloaf bites up a notch? Try adding some chopped herbs (like parsley or basil), or a few dashes of hot sauce or mustard to the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf bites. They should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Make Ahead: These meatloaf bites are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Why Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites Are a Must-Try
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites take the comfort of traditional meatloaf and transform it into something fun and exciting. The melty cheese inside the tender meat ensures that each bite is a flavorful surprise, while the savory seasonings and crispy exterior elevate these mini meatloafs to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a party appetizer, these cheesy meatloaf bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling by adding your favorite veggies, like diced bell peppers or spinach, or try experimenting with different cheese blends. You can even stuff them with a slice of bacon for an extra indulgent twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of the same old meatloaf recipe and want something with more flavor and fun, give these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites a try. They’re the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and crispy, making them a delightful addition to any meal.
Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and great for both adults and kids, these meatloaf bites are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve them for dinner, as a snack, or at your next gathering—no matter how you enjoy them, these cheesy stuffed treats will quickly disappear from your plate!
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