1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or mini muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Prepare the Stuffing
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Set aside.
4. Form the Meatloaf Bites
- Take a small amount of the meatloaf mixture (about a tablespoon for mini muffin tins or two tablespoons for regular muffin tins) and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a cheese cube in the center and fold the meat mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed by the meat.
- Place the meatball in the prepared muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
5. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until smooth.
6. Glaze the Meatloaf Bites
- Spoon a small amount of the glaze over each meatloaf bite, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake the Meatloaf Bites
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using a mini muffin tin, the cooking time may be slightly less.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Meatloaf Bites
- Even Cooking: Ensure the meatloaf bites are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Seal the Cheese: Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed in the meat mixture to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your muffin tin. Mini muffin tins will require less time than regular muffin tins.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Meatloaf Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Glaze: Replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning in place of oregano and basil, and stuff with provolone cheese.
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are a delicious and fun twist on traditional meatloaf. With their savory meat mixture and melty cheese center, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites lies in the flavorful meat mixture and the gooey cheese stuffing. By following this guide, you’ll create delicious, crowd-pleasing bites every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites!