Melty Cheese–Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

There’s something deeply comforting about meatloaf. It’s familiar, hearty, and feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Now imagine all of that comfort packed into tender, bite-sized portions — with a surprise pocket of melty cheese tucked inside. These cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites are the kind of food that disappears fast, whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a game-day spread, or just sneaking one straight off the pan while they’re still steaming. They’re savory, juicy, and just plain fun to eat — the kind of recipe that makes people hover around the kitchen waiting for the oven timer to beep.

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
½ cup breadcrumbs
⅓ cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but lovely)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
⅓ cup ketchup (for topping)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Get the oven ready.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin, or use a mini muffin tin if you want extra snackable bites.
Soften the breadcrumbs.
In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until the crumbs soak everything up and turn soft.
Build the flavor.
Add the ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Try not to overmix — that’s the secret to tender meatloaf.
Stuff with cheese.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it, sealing it completely. Roll it into a ball and nestle it into a muffin cup. Repeat until they’re all filled.
Top it off.
Spoon a little ketchup over each meatloaf bite and gently spread it across the top. This adds that classic sweet-savory finish.
Bake to perfection.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Mini versions will cook a bit faster, around 12–15 minutes.
Rest and enjoy.
Let the bites rest for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. This helps them hold their shape — and keeps the cheese from escaping too fast.

Presentation

Serve these meatloaf bites warm on a simple platter, sprinkled with fresh parsley for a pop of color. They’re lovely on their own, but you can also add a small bowl of extra ketchup or a tangy dipping sauce on the side. Toothpicks make them party-ready and easy to grab.

Conclusion

These cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites take everything we love about classic meatloaf and turn it into something a little more playful — and a lot more irresistible. They’re cozy without being heavy, familiar yet exciting, and perfect for sharing (though no one would blame you for keeping a few just for yourself). If you’re craving comfort food with a fun twist, this is one recipe worth making soon — preferably on a night when you can enjoy them fresh from the oven.