Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Bites
A savory reinvention of a beloved classic, these Cheesy Mini Meatloaf Bites offer a rich, cheesy center encased in a tender, well-seasoned meat mixture. Baked in individual portions until golden and juicy, they are ideal as a satisfying entrée, a party finger food, or a family-friendly weeknight meal. Melty cheese, a sweet-and-tangy glaze, and bite-sized convenience make them a comforting staple.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of whole milk used to moisten the crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika optional, for added depth
- 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar used in the glaze
- 1/2 small onion grated finely or minced to a paste
- 1/3 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg lightly whisked
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for umami richness
- 2 garlic cloves minced finely
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend or a mix of oregano and basil
- 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs
- 1 pound approximately 450 grams of ground beef or a combination of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup of ketchup reserved for the topping
- 1 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard for the glaze
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for the filling
- 1 teaspoon of salt to season the meat mixture thoroughly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper baking liners.
- In a small bowl, pour the milk over the breadcrumbs and allow them to soak for 5 minutes, softening into a paste-like consistency.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked breadcrumb mixture, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Using your hands, gently blend everything together until just incorporated—take care not to overmix.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat blend into each muffin cup. Press down slightly and use your thumb or a spoon to form a shallow indentation in the center.
- Drop a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese into each well, then add another spoonful of the meat mixture on top, carefully sealing the cheese within.
- In a small dish, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth. Spoon a small amount of this glaze over each meatloaf portion.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow the bites to sit for 5 minutes after baking before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm, accompanied by extra ketchup or alongside mashed potatoes if desired.