Mini Pizza Meatloaf Bites
These Mini Pizza Meatloaf Bites are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, perfect for family meals or party appetizers. Packed with flavor and cheese, they're loved by kids and adults alike! Each cup is a little bite of comfort food bliss, combining savory ground beef with the taste of pizza. Great for make-ahead and freezing, these bites are a popular choice in my Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) rotation. Freeze extras and simply reheat for a quick weeknight dinner or snack that everyone will enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg
1 (beaten)
pizza sauce
1/2 cup (set aside for mixing and serving)
seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup (set aside for mixing)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (set aside for mixing)
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (for filling and optional topping)
additional pizza sauce
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, pizza sauce, seasoned bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
3
Add the ground beef to the mixture and gently fold it in until evenly blended. Be careful not to overmix.
4
Scoop the meat mixture evenly into the greased muffin cups, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form small cups.
5
Generously fill the center of each meatloaf cup with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
7
Serve hot with additional pizza sauce for dipping, and sprinkle on more cheese if desired.
8
To freeze, allow the meatloaf cups to cool completely, then place them in freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9
To reheat frozen cups, thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Top with more pizza sauce and cheese as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Pizza Meatloaf Bites?
They are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, formed into muffin cups with pizza-inspired flavors and a melted cheese center.
How long do I bake the meatloaf bites?
Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes.
Can I freeze these meatloaf bites?
Yes, these are freezer-friendly and can be stored in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat them from the freezer?
Thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
What kind of meat should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of raw ground beef.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner version of the recipe.
What type of cheese is used for the filling?
Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese is used for both the filling and the optional topping.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, you should lightly grease the muffin tin to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
How many eggs are needed for the mixture?
The recipe requires 1 beaten egg to help bind the meat mixture together.
What ingredients are used for the pizza flavor?
The pizza flavor comes from pizza sauce and Italian seasoning mixed into the beef.
How do I form the cups in the muffin tin?
Scoop the meat mixture into the cups, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to create a hollow center for the cheese.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the seasoned bread crumbs with a gluten-free bread crumb alternative.
Should I serve these with extra sauce?
Serving with additional pizza sauce for dipping is recommended for the best flavor.
How do I know when they are finished cooking?
They are done when the meat is cooked through and is no longer pink inside.
What kind of bread crumbs are best?
Seasoned bread crumbs are recommended as they add more depth of flavor than plain ones.
Can these be served as appetizers?
Yes, their small size makes them perfect for both family meals and party appetizers.
What is OAMC?
OAMC stands for Once A Month Cooking, a meal-prepping strategy where these bites are a popular choice.
Can I add extra toppings like pepperoni?
Absolutely, you can top them with pepperoni or other pizza toppings before or after baking.
Is it okay to overmix the meat?
No, you should gently fold the beef in until evenly blended to avoid a tough texture.
What is the recommended serving size?
While not specified, usually 2-3 bites per person is a standard serving for a main meal.
Can I use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized snacks?
Yes, though you will need to adjust the baking time down significantly as they will cook faster.
How much pizza sauce goes into the meat mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of pizza sauce inside the meat mixture.
What seasoning should I use if I don't have Italian seasoning?
A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can be used as a substitute.
How much cheese goes inside each cup?
The recipe suggests generously filling the center of each meatloaf cup.
Can I prepare the meat mixture a day in advance?
Yes, you can mix the meat and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Are these bites good for kids?
Yes, they are highly kid-approved because they combine the flavors of pizza with a fun, small shape.
Do they require any special equipment?
Just a standard muffin tin and a large mixing bowl are required.
Can I reheat them in the oven?
Yes, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F until hot.
How much Italian seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes, fresh mozzarella works well, though it may release more moisture during baking.