Easy Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with these cheddar-stuffed meatloaf morsels that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Juicy ground beef packed with sharp cheddar cheese creates an irresistible pocket of flavor in every bite.

The classic meatloaf recipe gets a playful makeover with these bite-sized gems that burst with cheesy goodness.

Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, these morsels offer a perfect balance of savory and rich flavors.

Each morsel is carefully crafted to deliver maximum satisfaction and minimal effort in the kitchen.

Succulent and packed with melted cheese, these meatloaf bites will quickly become a weeknight dinner favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Serve them hot and watch as smiles spread around the table with each delectable bite.

What Makes Cheddar Meatloaf Morsels So Tasty

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform ordinary ground meat into delightful, cheese-filled bites that burst with flavor and surprise everyone at the table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings where guests want something fun and delicious to enjoy.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Simple preparation that allows children to help roll meatballs and involves minimal complex techniques, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Mini Meatloafs

• Ground Beef: Juicy and perfect for hearty meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and depth of flavor.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: Helps hold the meatballs together with a soft texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy companions that boost meaty goodness.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Seasoning warriors that make flavors pop.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty center surprise.
• Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard: Sweet and tangy glaze partners.

• Fresh Parsley: Green touch for visual appeal.

How to Cook Cheddar Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten egg
• Milk
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.

Step 3: Create Cheese-Filled Morsels

Take small portions of the meat mixture and flatten them in your hand.

Place a cube of cheddar in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese.

Roll into smooth, compact balls.

Continue until all meat is used.

Step 4: Whip Up a Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Set the glaze aside for later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the cheese-stuffed meat balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Generously brush each morsel with the prepared glaze.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the meatballs out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

If you want, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for extra color and flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone devour these delicious cheesy beef bites.

Tips to Keep These Morsels Moist and Cheesy

• Pinch meat edges firmly around cheddar cubes to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring every bite has a gooey, melted center.
• Mix ingredients gently and quickly to keep meatballs tender; overmixing can make them tough and dense.
• Swap ground pork with turkey or chicken for a leaner option, maintaining moisture by keeping the same egg and milk ratios.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness, preventing dry or undercooked meatballs and ensuring food safety.
• Assemble meatballs in advance and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking to save time during meal preparation.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Meatloaf Morsels

• Store leftover meatloaf morsels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the morsels cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual morsels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf morsels on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat morsels in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

What to Serve With Cheddar Meatloaf Morsels

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a robust red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the cheesy goodness of the meatloaf morsels.
• Crisp Vegetable Sidekick: Serve with roasted asparagus or green beans tossed in garlic butter to balance the hearty meat and provide a fresh, light contrast to the savory morsels.
• Tangy Accompaniment: Whip up a quick coleslaw with a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing that adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese-stuffed meatballs.
• Comfort Carb Companion: Prepare creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic to soak up the delicious glaze and provide a smooth, comforting base for the flavorful meatloaf morsels.

Flavor Options for Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

• Lean Protein Edition: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that maintains the same delicious cheesy core.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or ground almond flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets while keeping the meatloaf morsels tender and flavorful.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or use small pieces of vegan cheese that melts well, perfect for those avoiding dairy products.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of sriracha into the meat mixture for those craving extra heat and a bold flavor profile in their meatloaf morsels.

FAQs

• What's the secret to keeping the cheese inside the meatballs?

The key is to completely seal the cheese cube inside the meat mixture. Flatten the meat, place the cheese in the center, and carefully fold and roll the meat around it, ensuring no cheese is exposed.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Cheddar works best for its melting properties, but you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like monterey jack or provolone that have similar melting characteristics.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

Don’t overmix the meat, use a combination of ground meats if possible, and avoid overcooking. The milk and egg in the mixture help keep the meatballs moist and tender.

• Is it necessary to use both ground beef and ground pork?

While not mandatory, the combination adds more flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use all ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option.

Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheddar-stuffed meatloaf morsels bring comfort and excitement to classic dinner traditions. Cheesy pockets nestled within juicy meat promise a delightful twist that will make you crave more with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork (optional for added flavor)

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
3. Portion the meat mixture into small sections, approximately 2 tablespoons each, and gently flatten each portion in your palm.
4. Place a single cube of cheddar cheese at the center of each meat portion, carefully folding the meat around the cheese to create a sealed, uniform meatball shape.
5. Create the tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl.
6. Arrange the cheese-stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking surface, maintaining even spacing between each morsel.
7. Generously brush the surface of each meatball with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior develops a rich, caramelized finish.
9. Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps retain moisture and makes them easier to handle.
10. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and serve warm as a delightful appetizer or main course.

Notes

• Prevent meat mixture from becoming tough by mixing ingredients gently and avoiding overmixing, which can lead to dense, rubbery meatballs.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 ratio) to reduce excess grease while maintaining moisture and flavor in the morsels.
• Experiment with cheese variations like pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese for different flavor profiles and exciting taste experiences.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg