Hey y'all! If you're looking to shake up your dinner game or wow your friends at your next get-together, these Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites are the perfect choice. They're juicy, packed with cheesy parmesan and savory garlic, and baked in mini portions that are absolutely irresistible. Whether you're making a family meal or need a tasty party appetizer, these little bites deliver big on flavor. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites Recipe
- Bite-sized and fun, perfect for parties or kid-friendly dinners.
- Loaded with bold garlic and parmesan flavors that everyone loves.
- Quick to prep and cooks much faster than traditional meatloaf.
- Freezer-friendly, so you can make ahead and reheat anytime.
- Versatile – serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing muffin tin
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, minced garlic, diced onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined – don’t overmix, or your bites may become tough.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each mini muffin cup, lightly pressing down. You should fill all 24 cups evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf Bites
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the tray, sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese over each bite, and return to bake for another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and the bites are cooked through (internal temperature should be at least 160°F / 71°C).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bites cool for 5 minutes in the pan before popping them out. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve warm!
Notes for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- Chop the onion and garlic finely for even flavor and texture.
- If you only have a regular muffin tin, increase the baking time by 3-4 minutes and fill each cup just halfway.
- Learn more about safe cooking temperatures for ground beef at FoodSafety.gov.
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- Turkey Parmesan Meatloaf Bites: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Loaded Veggie: Stir in finely diced bell peppers or shredded zucchini for extra nutrition.
Required Equipment for Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- Mini muffin tin (24-cup recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spatula or your hands
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- Dip into marinara sauce for a classic Italian flavor.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
- Add to a party platter with other bite-sized appetizers.
Pro Tips for Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites
- Don’t pack the meat mixture too tightly into the cups; light packing keeps them tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Learn more about cheese grating at Serious Eats.
- Let the meatloaf bites rest before serving to keep them moist and flavorful. For more meatloaf tips, check out Allrecipes’ guide.
Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites FAQ
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake them ahead, then reheat before serving. They freeze beautifully too.
Can I use ground chicken or pork instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or pork both work well. Just watch the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook faster.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through, to avoid drying them out.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 24 mini bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or baking sheet.
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2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, parsley, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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3Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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4Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each mini muffin cup or shape into small balls and place on the baking sheet.
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5Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through and golden brown.
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6Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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