Keto Mozzarella-Stuffed Mini Meatloaves – Juicy, Cheesy, and Ready in Under 40 Minutes

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Keto Mozzarella-Stuffed Mini Meatloaves are everything you crave in comfort food—tender, flavorful, and filled with melty cheese—all while being low in carbs and high in protein. These mini meatloaves cook faster than traditional versions and deliver individual portions that are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a keto-friendly lunchbox.

Each one is packed with seasoned ground beef, Italian herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese tucked into the center for a molten surprise. Baked until golden and juicy, they’re rich, satisfying, and totally guilt-free.

Whether you’re deep into keto or just want a cozy, protein-packed dinner that doesn’t rely on breadcrumbs or starch, these cheesy meatloaves are a quick and easy solution.

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Ingredients Overview

Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for maximum flavor and juiciness. Leaner options can work, but higher fat content helps bind the loaves and keeps them moist.

Mozzarella cheese: String cheese or cubed low-moisture mozzarella fits perfectly inside each mini meatloaf. It melts beautifully, delivering that cheesy pull when you cut into it.

Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meat mixture together without needing breadcrumbs.

Almond flour: A keto substitute for breadcrumbs, it adds structure without adding carbs. Use finely ground almond flour for the best texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and richness to the meat mixture.

Garlic & onion powder: Deliver deep flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic or onion, which can make the loaves too soft.

Italian seasoning: A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary brings herbaceous depth.

Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings—adjust to taste.

Sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste (optional): A light coating on top helps lock in moisture and adds classic meatloaf flavor. Choose sugar-free options to stay keto.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a muffin tin for individual portions.
2. Make the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
3. Form the loaves: Divide the mixture into 6–8 portions. Flatten each into a disc, place a piece of mozzarella (about 1-inch cube or half a string cheese) in the center, and fold the meat around it, sealing the edges. Shape into mini loaves or press into muffin tins.
4. Optional glaze: Brush each loaf with 1–2 tsp of sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste if desired.
5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet or in muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and cheese is melted inside.
6. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute and cheese stay contained.

Common mistakes to avoid: Overmixing the meat (which makes it tough), skipping the rest time, or not sealing the cheese inside well—this can cause leaks during baking.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips:

• Use an ice cream scoop or muffin tin for evenly sized portions.
• Let the meat come to room temperature for quicker, more even cooking.
• If cheese leaks, spoon it back over the loaf while hot—it’s still delicious!

Variations:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Herby: Add fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for a garden-fresh twist.
• BBQ-style: Swap ketchup for sugar-free BBQ sauce and sprinkle smoked paprika in the mix.

Substitutions:

• Mozzarella: Try provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Almond flour: Crushed pork rinds can be used for an ultra-low-carb binding option.
• Ground meat: Use turkey, pork, or a beef/pork blend if preferred.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These mini meatloaves are hearty enough to stand alone, but they shine with the right pairings.

Serve with:

• Roasted cauliflower or broccoli
• Creamy mashed cauliflower
• Zucchini noodles with olive oil and garlic
• A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette

Perfect for:

• Weeknight keto dinners
• Meal prep (store great and reheat easily)
• Family-style meals with low-carb and non-keto eaters alike
• Quick lunch bowls with veggies

Their handheld size also makes them lunchbox- and freezer-friendly.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These meatloaves are loaded with protein and fat, making them ideal for keto and low-carb diets. Almond flour and parmesan help replace typical fillers, keeping net carbs low.

Key nutritional benefits:

• Ground beef: Protein, iron, and B vitamins
• Cheese: Calcium and satisfying fats
• Almond flour: Low-carb and high in healthy fats and vitamin E

Each mini meatloaf clocks in at approximately 3–4g net carbs (without glaze), making it easy to track and fit into your macros.

For dairy-free needs, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and skip the parmesan.

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FAQs

Can I prep Keto Mozzarella-Stuffed Mini Meatloaves ahead of time?
Yes. You can fully prep and shape them ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatloaves individually and bake from frozen—just add 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Wrap each cooled meatloaf individually and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently.

What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Low-moisture mozzarella or string cheese holds its shape well and melts nicely. Avoid fresh mozzarella—it contains too much water and may cause the loaf to fall apart.

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes. Substitute a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and let it sit 5 minutes. Texture may be slightly softer, but it works.

How do I avoid dry meatloaf?
Don’t overbake and use ground beef with at least 15–20% fat. Resting after cooking also helps the juices redistribute and keeps everything tender.

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, depending on size. Check doneness with a thermometer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! The gooey cheese center is a hit with kids. You can even shape them into smaller “meatloaf bites” for easier handling.

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