In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
Form the meatloaf bites:
Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese and a little cream cheese in the center. Gently fold the edges of the meat over the cheese to enclose it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese until you have around 12–15 meatloaf bites.
Place on the baking sheet and top each meatloaf bite with a small dollop of ketchup for extra flavor and moisture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and golden brown on top. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Serve warm and enjoy! You can serve these cheesy meatloaf bites with mashed potatoes, a salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack, for different flavors.
You can also add some veggies (like chopped bell peppers or spinach) to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your cheesy, bite-sized meatloaf goodness!