Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness, and tender meat. These bite-sized morsels are packed with flavor, making them a hit for family dinners, parties, or as a fun appetizer. Ground beef is seasoned to perfection, stuffed with gooey melted cheese, and baked until golden and delicious. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor and tenderness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat to ensure it stays tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it into a small patty. Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the edges of the patty around the cheese, pinching them together to form a meatball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
- Bake the meatloaf bites: Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbling inside.
- Optional topping: If you’d like to add a little extra flavor, drizzle marinara sauce over the meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve these cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites hot. They make an excellent appetizer, main dish, or party snack!