Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Meatloaf, but make it bite-sized, melty, and completely irresistible—that’s exactly what you get with these Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites. Perfectly seasoned mini meatloaf rounds are filled with gooey cheese and baked until golden, juicy, and tender. They’re everything you love about a cozy meatloaf dinner, shrunk down into the ultimate party snack, meal prep win, or kid-approved dinner hero.

Before we dive in, thank you so much for being here. Whether you’re meal prepping, party planning, or just here for the cheese pull (no judgment!), I’m so glad you’re cooking with me. Want more savory favorites like this straight to your inbox? Subscribe below for new recipes and kitchen inspo every week!

What Are Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites?

These are mini meatloaves formed into muffin-sized bites and stuffed with cubes of melty cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever your cheesy heart desires. The outside is golden and flavorful, while the inside stays juicy with a cheesy surprise at the center.

They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, freezer meals, or even holiday appetizers. Serve them solo, with a drizzle of sauce, or alongside your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love These Meatloaf Bites

• Individually portioned = easy to serve and reheat
• Melty cheese-stuffed centers
• Perfect for meal prep or freezer meals
• Great for kids and picky eaters
• Bakes faster than traditional meatloaf
• Customizable with spices, sauces, and fillings

What Do They Taste Like?

They’re juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor, thanks to classic meatloaf seasonings. The crispy edges from the muffin tin give you a slight crust, and the cheese in the center melts into the meat, making every bite rich, gooey, and satisfying. They’re like little meatloaf nuggets of joy. ✨

Benefits of This Recipe

• Quick to cook – done in under 30 minutes
• Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Naturally low-carb and high in protein
• Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, and sauces
• Great for making ahead and freezing

Ingredients for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half ground turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup or BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 oz cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack work great)
• Optional topping: extra ketchup or BBQ sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Standard or mini muffin tin
• Mixing bowl
• Small spoon or scoop
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (to place under muffin tin, just in case of drips)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Cheese swap: Try Swiss, Gouda, provolone, or dairy-free cheese
• Breadcrumb alternative: Use almond flour or oats for gluten-free options
• Add veggies: Mix in grated zucchini, carrot, or chopped spinach
• Change the meat: Use ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based substitute
• Flavor twist: Add chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or ranch seasoning to the mix

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with silicone liners.
2. Mix the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
3. Shape and stuff: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of meat mixture into each muffin cup. Press a cube of cheese into the center, then cover with another small scoop of meat mixture. Press down gently to seal.
4. Top with sauce (optional): Add a small spoonful of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of each bite if desired.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp should be 160°F). Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: For extra crispy edges, use a metal muffin tin and skip the liners. Just grease well!

What to Serve with Cheesy Meatloaf Bites

These little bites go with everything! Try them with:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
• Mac and cheese or cauliflower mac
• Roasted green beans, carrots, or broccoli
• Gravy or dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard
• Serve on a slider bun for a mini meatloaf sandwich!

Tips for the Juiciest Meatloaf Bites

• Don’t overmix the meat—this keeps them tender
• Use high-fat cheese for the best melt
• Let them rest after baking so the cheese settles
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze fully cooked bites for up to 3 months

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through
• Meal prep tip: Pack with veggies and a grain for easy lunches

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in a mini muffin tin?

Yes! Mini versions are great for parties. Just reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Can I prep these ahead?

Absolutely—assemble the bites and refrigerate (uncooked) up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar gives the strongest flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully. Pepper jack adds a kick. Avoid soft cheeses like brie unless you want a melty mess (which, hey, maybe you do!).

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes! They’re fun to eat and easy to customize. Great for lunchboxes, too.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s hearty, fun, and packed with flavor—Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are your new best friend. They’re easy, comforting, and that melty cheese center never gets old. Whether you’re serving them as a main, a party bite, or a freezer meal, these little guys will always come through.

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