Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for topping)
• Olive oil for greasing or brushing the baking pan

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray to ensure the meatloaf bites don’t stick while baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix, but be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid a dense texture.
3. Once the meat mixture is thoroughly combined, scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Press your thumb into the center of each meatball to create a small indentation for the cheese filling. Stuff each meatball with about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese, then gently pinch the sides of the meatball to seal the cheese inside. Repeat this process for the remaining meatballs.