Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that’s wholesome, irresistibly tasty, and a total crowd-pleaser, let me introduce you to the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey. These adorable, muffin-tin-sized meatloaves are juicy, flavorful, and baked to perfection in under an hour. Packed with savory seasonings and topped with a sweet tangy glaze, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy Sunday dinner. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for lunch, these mini meatloaves are about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component is chosen to maximize flavor and juiciness, ensuring the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey turns out perfect every time.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and tender, ground turkey is the star protein that keeps these mini meatloaves juicy and light.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian): Acts as a binder and soaks up flavor, keeping everything moist and structured.
- Milk: Adds extra moisture, guaranteeing soft and tender meatloaf bites.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Egg: Essential for holding everything together and giving the meatloaf structure.
- Ketchup: Used in both the mix and the glaze for classic comfort food flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Infuses the turkey with umami richness and savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers that irresistible garlicky aroma without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is seasoned just right.
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat and warmth rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Ketchup (for topping): The base for that glossy, craveable glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Gives the glaze its signature sweetness and caramelized finish.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zip and balances out the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey
Step 1: Prep Your Bakeware
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting your muffin tin ready. Lightly grease each cup or line them with parchment liners if you want super easy cleanup. This step guarantees your mini meatloaves will pop right out, perfectly shaped and ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the mixture—this helps keep the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, pressing gently to shape each portion into a mini meatloaf. Aim for about 6 even-sized mini loaves to ensure they cook at the same rate and look adorable on the plate.
Step 4: Make and Add the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Spoon a generous amount of this glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf. This not only locks in moisture but adds that irresistible sweet and tangy finish you expect from the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatloaf centers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the mini meatloaves cool for 5 minutes in the tin—this helps them set up and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle your mini meatloaves with a little chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions right before serving. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of black pepper adds a gourmet finish that makes these mini loaves look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
The Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even fluffy rice. For a lighter touch, try serving them alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli—this keeps the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun, arrange the mini meatloaves on a platter and offer a variety of dipping sauces for a party-style spread. Or, tuck each mini loaf into a soft slider bun with lettuce and pickles for playful meatloaf sliders that kids and adults alike will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey is a lifesaver for busy days. Simply place cooled meatloaves in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They hold their shape and flavor remarkably well, making them ideal for quick lunches or dinners on the go.
Freezing
These mini meatloaves are absolutely freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, wrap each individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a speedy homemade meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place your meatloaf in a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second bursts until heated through. For a slightly crispier exterior, you can also reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Either way, they’ll taste just as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey is delicious as written, you can easily swap in ground chicken or lean beef for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as fattier meats may cook a bit faster.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still enjoy all the classic flavors.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the ingredients together and fill the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep even easier when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the best way to keep the meatloaf moist?
The secret to juicy mini meatloaf is not overmixing the turkey mixture and making sure you include the milk and breadcrumbs. These ingredients work together to lock in moisture, giving you tender, flavorful bites every time.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Just double all the ingredients and use two muffin tins, or bake in batches. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer for future meals.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey a try in your own kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, joy, and just the right amount of nostalgia to the table—plus, those mini portions are as cute as they are delicious. Happy cooking!
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Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini meatloaves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Best Easy Mini Meatloaf recipe features tender ground turkey combined with flavorful seasonings and a sweet-savory ketchup glaze. Perfectly portioned in a muffin tin, these mini meatloaves are ideal for quick family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later. They’re a healthier, delicious twist on classic meatloaf that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaves.
- Form Mini Meatloaves: Evenly divide the meat mixture into the prepared muffin tin, gently pressing each portion to shape into mini meatloaves.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Glaze and Bake: Spoon the glaze evenly over the tops of each mini meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the mini meatloaves cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- These mini meatloaves freeze well—bake, cool completely, then freeze individually for easy future meals.
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey according to preference.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to make a complete, balanced meal.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
