Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are bite-sized, flavorful meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun twist on traditional meatloaf, they offer a juicy interior with a savory crust, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Bites
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the meatloaf bites evenly.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until fully incorporated, creating a uniform mixture.
- Form and stuff meatloaf bites: Take an amount of the meat mixture approximately the size of a golf ball. Flatten it in your hand, place about one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and shape it into a sealed ball to encase the filling.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place each stuffed meatball evenly spaced to ensure proper cooking.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the meatloaf bites in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are cooked through, with the internal temperature reaching a safe level and the cheese inside melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf bites cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add flavor and a touch of color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Ensure that the meat is tightly sealed around the cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch for added flavor.
- Breadcrumbs help keep the bites moist; if gluten-free is needed, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
