Cheesy Stuffed Mini Meatloaves
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 block of velvet-a cheese, cut into cubes
- Ketchup for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into 9 equal portions, shaping each portion into a small oval.
- Take a cube of velvet-a cheese and place it in the center of each meat portion. Make sure the meat completely covers the cheese, forming mini meatloaves.
- Arrange the mini meatloaves on a baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- With the leftover meat mixture, cover the tops of the mini meatloaves, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaves from the oven and spread a layer of ketchup on top of each.
- Place the meatloaves back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Once done, allow the mini meatloaves to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your cheesy stuffed mini meatloaves! Feel free to customize the recipe further to suit your taste preferences.
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheesy Stuffed Mini Meatloaves turn out delicious:
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground beef for a flavorful and juicy meatloaf.
- Choose a good-quality cheese that melts well, like cheddar or mozzarella.
- Don’t Overmix:
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
- Consistent Size:
- Ensure that each mini meatloaf is a similar size to ensure even cooking. This helps them all finish cooking at the same time.
- Cheese Placement:
- Place the cheese cubes in the center of the meat portion and seal it well to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven before placing the mini meatloaves inside. This helps with even cooking.
- Use a Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This also prevents the meatloaves from sticking.
- Temperature Check:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaves. They should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Time:
- Allow the mini meatloaves to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaves moist.
- Customize the Topping:
- Experiment with different toppings or glazes for added flavor. Instead of just ketchup, you can try a barbecue sauce or a mix of ketchup and brown sugar.
- Experiment with Seasonings:
- Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavor of the meat mixture.
- Double-Check Cooking Times:
- Cooking times may vary based on your oven and the size of your mini meatloaves. Keep an eye on them, and adjust the time accordingly.
- Serve with Sides:
- Accompany the mini meatloaves with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Remember, cooking is an art, and these tips are meant to guide you. Feel free to adjust and personalize the recipe to suit your taste preferences
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for stuffing? A: Absolutely! While the recipe suggests velvet-a cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Q: Can I make these mini meatloaves ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the mini meatloaves in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as refrigerated meat may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I freeze the mini meatloaves? A: Yes, these mini meatloaves are freezer-friendly. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What sides pair well with Cheesy Stuffed Mini Meatloaves? A: These mini meatloaves go well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of pasta.
Q: How can I customize the seasoning? A: Feel free to add herbs and spices to the meat mixture to suit your taste. Garlic powder, dried oregano, or smoked paprika can add extra flavor.
Q: Can I use lean ground beef? A: Yes, you can use lean ground beef if you prefer a lower-fat version. Keep in mind that the fat content contributes to the juiciness of the meatloaf, so you may want to adjust other ingredients to compensate.
Q: Can I make a larger single meatloaf instead of mini ones? A: Certainly! You can shape the meat mixture into one large meatloaf instead of mini ones. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger meatloaf may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I use a different topping instead of ketchup? A: Absolutely! Experiment with different toppings or glazes. Barbecue sauce, a blend of ketchup and brown sugar, or a mustard-based glaze are all great alternatives.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture? A: Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Ensure they are finely diced to avoid affecting the texture.
Q: How do I know when the mini meatloaves are done? A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The mini meatloaves should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one to ensure there are no pink or raw areas.
