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Cheesy Mini Meatloaf

Cheesy Mini Meatloaf
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Delight in these Cheesy Mini Meatloaves, bite-sized comfort food packed with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly portioned for family dinners, snacks, or lunchboxes, they are quick to prepare and bake, offering an irresistibly gooey and flavorful experience everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soaked bread crumbs (soak bread crumbs in milk before mixing), milk, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid toughness.
  2. Add the Cheese: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Flatten each portion and place a small pile of shredded cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese to fully enclose it.
  3. Shape and Arrange: Shape each portion into mini loaf shapes and place them side by side in a greased muffin pan or mini loaf pan for even baking and portion control.
  4. Add the Topping: Brush or spoon ketchup or tomato sauce generously over each mini meatloaf to create a flavorful glaze that caramelizes in the oven.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the meatloaves are cooked through with a golden glaze on top.

Notes

  • Don’t skip soaking the bread crumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
  • Seal the cheese completely inside the meat to prevent it from leaking during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked meatloaf without guessing.
  • Let the mini meatloaves rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices and make slicing easier.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for varied flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf, comfort food, bite-sized meatloaf, kid-friendly dinner, easy dinner, meatloaf recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cheesy-mini-meatloaf/