Mozzarella Stuffed Individual Meatloaves

I may have a small obsession with mozzarella cheese. I seem to be on a constant quest to find ways to sneak it into recipes. In this case, I pressed bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls) into the center of my infamous meatloaf "cupcakes". Look at the outcome -- tender meatloaf muffins (no risk of them drying out in the middle) with crispy, ketchup-spiked crusts, and gooey, cheesy centers. 

There wasn't ONE CRUMB left after dinner tonight...

Mozzarella Stuffed Individual Meatloaves

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon ketchup, plus more for topping
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 pieces mozzarella cheese or bocconcini (about 2-inches in diameter)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

In a large bowl, combine the beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, ketchup, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. 

Press the mixture into 4 cups of a muffin pan and press a piece of mozzarella cheese into the center. 

Wrap the beef mixture over the cheese and top each meatloaf with a little ketchup "glaze". 

Bake for 40-45  minutes, until the loaves pull away from the sides of the pan. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 2-4