Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a muffin tin for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add Bacon: Fold in the chopped cooked bacon, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Form the Meatloaf Bites

1. Shape the Bites: Using your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a ball or oval shape. Place the shaped meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet or into the muffin tin.
2. Repeat: Continue shaping and placing the meatloaf bites until all the mixture is used.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Bites

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet or muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

1. Add Cheese: Remove the meatloaf bites from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one.
2. Return to Oven: Place them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Drizzle with Ketchup: Once done, remove the meatloaf bites from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle with extra ketchup and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites!

Tips and Variations

• Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for extra flavor or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf bites in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these meatloaf bites with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or even spicy mustard for an added flavor boost.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bites are a fun and tasty twist on a classic comfort food that everyone loves. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. With their juicy meat, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, these bites are sure to satisfy your cheeseburger cravings. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in these delightful bites that pack all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a perfect little package! Enjoy!