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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Portion the meat mixture into small sections, approximately 2 tablespoons each, and gently flatten each portion in your palm.
- 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.
- Create the tangy glaze by whisking together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl.
- Arrange the cheese-stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking surface, maintaining even spacing between each morsel.
- Generously brush the surface of each meatball with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps retain moisture and makes them easier to handle.
- 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