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These gooey cheese-filled meatloaf nuggets turn the old-school meatloaf into bite-sized treats with a melty surprise inside. I whipped these up for a sports party, and they vanished quicker than any other snack I put out!
I originally created these for my picky nephew who wouldn't touch regular meatloaf. The hidden cheesy center totally changed his mind, and now everyone in the family asks for these little meat bombs whenever we get together.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Makes up the main part; go for 80/20 fat content for extra juicy bites
- Breadcrumbs: Work to hold everything together without making it too heavy
- Milk: Keeps everything moist and softens the meat texture
- Egg: Serves as the glue that bonds all ingredients
- Onion and garlic: Give that tasty flavor base
- Salt and pepper: Basic must-haves for good taste
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that deep savory kick many cooks forget
- Ketchup: Creates the foundation for our topping with that familiar meatloaf taste
- Mustard: Cuts through the sweet ketchup with some zingy flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Delivers that wonderful melty middle; sharp works best for flavor punch
- Fresh parsley: Adds fresh flavor and pretty green specks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- Heat your oven to 375°F and put parchment on a baking tray. This paper stops everything from sticking and makes washing up way easier.
- Combine Your Meat Mix:
- Throw the beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce into a big bowl. Mix with your fingers until just blended. Don't go overboard or you'll end up with tough meat nuggets.
- Add The Cheesy Centers:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mix and flatten it in your hand. Put some grated cheddar in the middle, then wrap the meat around it, making sure it's fully covered. Roll it between your hands to make a ball roughly 1.5 inches across.
- Mix Up The Topping:
- Stir ketchup and mustard together in a small dish until they're completely mixed. This easy topping gives the perfect sweet-tangy finish that turns golden brown in the oven.
- Top And Cook:
- Brush each meat ball with plenty of the topping mix. Put them on your lined baking tray with gaps between each one. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they hit 160°F inside and have caramelized tops.
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Watching someone bite into these and discover the melty cheese inside is just amazing. My hubby actually popped the question the night I first cooked these. Just a random timing thing? I don't think so!
Make Ahead Instructions
These little meat treats work great for planning ahead. You can shape the raw meatballs and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to store them longer, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a tray until hard, then dump them into a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, just add 5 to 7 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking them frozen.
Flavor Variations
While cheddar gives you that classic taste, don't be afraid to try different cheeses. Mozzarella gives you those awesome stretchy strands when you bite in. Pepper jack adds some heat that goes really well with the beef. You can also toss herbs like basil or oregano into the meat mix for an Italian feel, or add smoked paprika and cumin for a southwestern touch.
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Serving Suggestions
These handy bites fit so many occasions. Put toothpicks in them for party snacks. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes with extra sauce for a comfort food dinner. Stick them in small buns with some arugula for tasty mini burgers. You can even toss them with pasta and marinara for a fun twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs.
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Sure thing! Try ground turkey, chicken or even meat-free options if you want a different taste or need to match your diet needs.
- → What cheese works best for stuffing?
Cheddar's our go-to, but feel free to try mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese that gets all melty and gooey inside.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You bet! Put everything together early, stick them in the fridge, and just pop them in the oven right before you want to eat them.
- → What sides pair well with these bites?
They're amazing with mashed potatoes, some roasted veggies, or a nice green salad if you want a full dinner.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Just pop them in a sealed container in your fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want.