These Best Easy Mini Meatloafs made with ground turkey are a delicious and healthy take on the classic comfort food. Perfectly juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, they’re ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a family dinner. Packed with protein and lower in fat than traditional beef meatloaf, these mini meatloafs are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping things light and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini meatloafs are the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. Made with lean ground turkey, they’re juicy and tender without being greasy. The addition of breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup ensures a rich flavor, while the option to top with cheddar cheese adds a delightful, melty finish. Plus, the mini size makes them perfect for portion control and meal prep, ensuring you have a healthy, ready-to-eat meal on hand for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it in to form mini meatloafs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mini meatloafs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optionally, top each meatloaf with shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and brown slightly.
- Serve immediately, or store for meal prep.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Vegetable boost: Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy twist: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the meatloaf a spicy kick.
- Herb additions: Add herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the meat mixture for extra freshness and flavor.
- Cheese variation: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, or try adding a mix of cheeses to the top for variety.
- Low-carb option: Use almond flour or cauliflower breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free and lower in carbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These mini meatloafs are perfect for meal prep!
- Freezing: To freeze, let the meatloafs cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. It will provide a slightly different flavor but still work wonderfully.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, provolone, or even a combination of cheeses for variety and flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs.
4. Can I bake this meatloaf as one large loaf instead of mini meatloafs?
Yes, you can use a regular loaf pan to make one large meatloaf. Just increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like finely chopped carrots, spinach, or mushrooms will add extra nutrition and flavor to the meatloafs.
6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake it and store it in the fridge for easy meal prep.
7. Can I use a different seasoning in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any other spice blend that you enjoy to customize the flavor to your liking.
8. Can I use a different milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of milk, including almond milk, soy milk, or even cream, depending on your dietary preferences.
9. How do I know when the meatloafs are cooked through?
The mini meatloafs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
10. Can I freeze these mini meatloafs?
Yes, you can freeze these mini meatloafs. Let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These Easy Mini Meatloafs with Ground Turkey are a healthy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. They’re quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. The combination of tender turkey, savory seasonings, and optional cheesy goodness makes these mini meatloafs a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them for dinner tonight or save them for later, they’re a delicious and nutritious choice your whole family will love.
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Best Easy Mini Meatloaf with Ground Turkey
These Easy Mini Meatloafs with Ground Turkey are a healthy and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Optional melted cheddar cheese on top adds a rich finish, making these mini meatloafs both satisfying and lower in fat than traditional beef meatloaf.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing it in to form mini meatloafs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mini meatloafs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optionally, top each meatloaf with shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and brown slightly.
- Serve immediately, or store for meal prep.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Spice it up with chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
- For a low-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or cauliflower breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
