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Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites.‍

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### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You want to make sure the mixture is not too wet, so adjust the breadcrumbs or milk if needed.

#### 2. **Make the Cheese Filling:**
In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This cheesy filling is what gives these meatloaf bites their signature gooey center. It’s simple, but oh so delicious!

#### 3. **Shape the Meatloaf Bites:**
Once the meatloaf mixture is ready, take a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) and form it into a ball in your hands. Then, make an indentation in the center of each meatball and stuff it with a spoonful of the cheesy filling. Carefully seal the meat around the filling, making sure it’s completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese mixture.

#### 4. **Bake the Meatloaf Bites:**
Arrange the stuffed meatloaf balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Once they’re all in place, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal cheese filling is melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure, check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

#### 5. **Prepare the Glaze:**
While the meatloaf bites are baking, mix together the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until smooth and set aside.

#### 6. **Glaze the Meatloaf Bites:**
Once the meatloaf bites are cooked through, remove them from the oven and brush each one with the prepared glaze. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and become slightly sticky.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites are golden and glazed to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These meatloaf bites are perfect for dipping into extra ketchup or marinara sauce.

### Why You’ll Love Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites:

#### 1. **Cheese-Filled Goodness:**
Who can resist the combination of juicy meatloaf and gooey melted cheese? The cheesy filling inside these bites elevates the dish to a whole new level, making every bite deliciously indulgent.

#### 2. **Perfectly Sized:**
These meatloaf bites are just the right size for a quick snack or an appetizer. They’re easy to pop into your mouth and are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or family dinners.

#### 3. **Kid-Friendly:**
The cheesy center and savory meat exterior make these bites a hit with kids and adults alike. You can even sneak in some extra veggies in the meat mixture to boost the nutrition without anyone noticing!

#### 4. **Customizable:**
Feel free to play around with the flavors in the meat mixture and cheese filling. You can try different types of cheese (think mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack) or add a touch of spice with red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the filling.

#### 5. **Glaze for the Win:**
The sweet and tangy glaze adds a glossy finish to the meatloaf bites, enhancing their flavor. It gives the meatballs a slightly sticky texture that complements the cheesy interior and savory meat exterior beautifully.

### Tips for the Best Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites:

– **Don’t Overstuff the Meatballs:** When forming the meatballs, make sure not to overstuff them with the cheese. You want enough cheese to make it deliciously gooey, but too much can cause the cheese to spill out during cooking.
– **Mix the Meat Well:** Be sure to mix the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly, but don’t overwork it. Overmixing can result in a tough meatball.
– **Make Ahead:** These meatloaf bites can be made ahead of time! Prepare and stuff the meatballs, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes them an excellent option for meal prepping or last-minute dinner ideas.
– **Use Lean Meat:** If you want a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork. Just keep in mind that lean meats might need extra moisture to stay juicy.

### Conclusion:

**Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites** are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, and they’re sure to become a new family favorite. With a tender and juicy exterior, a gooey cheese center, and a sweet and tangy glaze, these bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a party appetizer, or just a comforting snack. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these cheesy meatloaf bites are bound to satisfy every craving! Enjoy!

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