Mediterranean Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

These Mediterranean Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are juicy and flavorful mini meatloaves filled with gooey mozzarella and feta. We prepare these meatloaf bites with ground beef, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, parsley, smoked paprika, tomato paste, olive oil, and lemon zest for a delicious Mediterranean flavor. These meatloaf bites contain 285 calories and 3 g of net carbs. These Mediterranean Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites are ideal for family dinners, appetizers, meal prep, casual gatherings, and low-carb meals. You can prepare these meatloaf bites earlier because they refrigerate well for several days and can be frozen for longer storage. You can serve these meatloaf bites with Greek Salad, Roasted Zucchini, Cauliflower Rice, Tzatziki, or Garlic Yogurt Sauce.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course, Appetizer
• No. of Calories: 285 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Portion size: 2 meatloaf bites
• Cooking mode: Oven, Baked
• Total servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total time: 45 minutes

TOOLS:

• Bowl
• Muffin Tin
• Bowl
• Measuring Spoons
• Spatula
• Meat Thermometer

INGREDIENTS:

MEATLOAF MIXTURE:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup parsley
• ¼ cup red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• One tbsp. olive oil
• Tomato paste, one tbsp.
• One tsp. lemon zest
• Half a tsp. salt

CHEESE FILLING:

• ½ cup mozzarella
• 2 tbsp feta
• 1 tbsp basil

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

GROUND BEEF:

• We use ground beef to provide a juicy and savory base for these meatloaf bites. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as lighter alternatives.

MOZZARELLA:

• Mozzarella provides the gooey, melted center. You can use provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar as alternatives.

FETA:

• Feta provides a tangy Mediterranean flavor. You can replace it with extra Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese.

PARMESAN:

• Parmesan adds savory flavor and helps bind the meat mixture. Pecorino Romano might also be utilized as a different choice.

PARSLEY:

• Herbal taste and freshness are added with fresh parsley. Fresh basil or cilantro can be substituted.

TOMATO PASTE:

• Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and moisture. A small amount of low-carb marinara sauce can be used instead.

OLIVE OIL:

• Olive oil adds richness and Mediterranean flavor. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative.

OREGANO:

• Oregano provides classic Mediterranean seasoning. You might use Italian seasoning as a further choice.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oven to 400°Fahrenheit and gently coat a muffin tin.
2. Stir the lemon zest, ground beef, tomato paste, egg, olive oil, Parmesan, pepper, parsley, salt, onion, cumin, garlic, paprika, and oregano.
3. Whisk the basil, mozzarella, and feta in a different dish.
4. Distribute the meat mixture into twelve portions and put 1/2 of all the portions into the muffin cups.
5. Include the cheese filling in the middle, coat with the leftover meat mixture, and close the corners properly.
6. Bake till the temperature become 71°Celcius, for almost twenty-two minutes.
7. Cool for almost five minutes, sprinkle fresh parsley, and serve hot.

TIPS:

• We finely cut the onion to get a smoother texture.
• We utilize low-moisture mozzarella to eliminate additional liquid.
• Cool the meatloaf bites and then serve.
• Include chopped Kalamata olives for additional Mediterranean flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

MEDITERRANEAN SIDES:

• Greek Salad
• Roasted Zucchini
• Cauliflower Rice
• Cucumber Salad
• Roasted Eggplant

SAUCES & DIPS:

• Tzatziki
• Garlic Yogurt Sauce
• Whipped Feta
• Lemon Herb Yogurt
• Low-Carb Marinara

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the meatloaf bites in an airtight box and refrigerate for 4 days.

FREEZER:

• Store the cooled meatloaf bites for just 2–3 months.

FAQs:

Could we utilize different cheese?

• Yes, you might use goat cheese, provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.

Will we prepare these meatloaf bites earlier?

• Yes, you can shape these meatloaf bites, chill them for more than twenty-four hours, and then bake.

How could we avoid the cheese from leaking?

• You have to make sure the cheese is perfectly covered, and the meat corners are firmly closed.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Proteins: 27 g

Caloric Content: 285 kcal

Net carbs: 3 g

Sodium: 540 mg

Fiber: 0.8 g

Sugar: 1.5 g

Fats: 18 g

Portion Size: 2 meatloaf bites

Total carbs: 3.8 g