If you love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but want something a little more bite-sized, these Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites are the perfect solution! Juicy ground beef is combined with sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, and a blend of seasonings, then baked into small, individual portions for a fun and delicious twist on the traditional meatloaf. With their savory, cheesy center and crispy edges, these meatloaf bites are a hit for game days, family meals, or as an appetizer for your next gathering. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for customizing with your favorite dipping sauces!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Bites:
- 1 pound ground beef (choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful bites)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that cheesy goodness)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (for a smoky flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 large egg (helps to hold the mixture together)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (adds a savory base flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for moisture and tang)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (adds a bit of sharpness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (deepens the flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a mild spice)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This ensures the meatloaf bites won’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix, as this could make the meatloaf bites tough.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup evenly. Press the mixture gently into each cup to ensure the bites hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through and the tops are lightly browned. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for fully cooked meat.
Step 5: Serve
- Once baked, allow the meatloaf bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Cooking Notes:
- For a healthier option, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, though this might affect the flavor and moisture content.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat mixture. You could experiment with paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the recipe: These meatloaf bites are a great party food or snack, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a full meal experience.
- Pair with fresh veggies or a simple salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich meatloaf bites.
- These are great for meal prep! Pack them in individual containers with a dipping sauce for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Tips:
- Use a lean ground beef blend: For best results, use an 80/20 ground beef blend to keep the meatloaf bites juicy.
- Crispier texture: If you prefer your meatloaf bites extra crispy, bake them for an additional 5 minutes, or place them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of baking.
- Customize with toppings: Add a slice of melted cheese on top of each meatloaf bite in the final minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesier finish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 85
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 210mg
FAQs:
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can! Regular bacon will add a stronger flavor, but turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative.
Can I make these meatloaf bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months and bake them when needed.
Can I make these with ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, though you may want to add a little extra seasoning to maintain flavor since turkey tends to be milder.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze these meatloaf bites. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion:
These Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites combine the best elements of a cheeseburger in a perfectly sized, bite-sized portion. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or as a snack, these meatloaf bites are sure to satisfy your craving for something hearty and delicious. Customize them with your favorite toppings, enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces, and savor each flavorful bite!
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Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf Bites:
- 1 pound ground beef (choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful bites)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that cheesy goodness)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (for a smoky flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 large egg (helps to hold the mixture together)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion (adds a savory base flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for moisture and tang)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (adds a bit of sharpness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (deepens the flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a mild spice)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This ensures the meatloaf bites won’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Do not overmix, as this could make the meatloaf bites tough.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup evenly. Press the mixture gently into each cup to ensure the bites hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through and the tops are lightly browned. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for fully cooked meat.
Step 5: Serve
- Once baked, allow the meatloaf bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- For a healthier option, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, though this might affect the flavor and moisture content.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat mixture. You could experiment with paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the recipe: These meatloaf bites are a great party food or snack, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 85
- Sodium: 210mg
- Protein: 6g