Mini Turkey Meatloaves in Muffin Tins (Print)
Individual turkey meatloaves baked in muffin tins with vegetables and herbs for easy portion control.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 1 small carrot, grated
04 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Binders & Fillers
06 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats or breadcrumbs
07 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 - 1/4 cup milk
→ Seasonings
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup (plus extra for topping)
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oats or breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
03 - Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing lightly to fill each cavity.
04 - Spoon or brush a small amount of ketchup over the top of each muffin for a glazed finish.
05 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and the tops are glazed and lightly browned.
06 - Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Each muffin is perfectly portioned so you never accidentally eat half a loaf while standing at the counter.
- They reheat beautifully, making them ideal for anyone who treats lunch like an afterthought during busy workdays.
- The grated carrot and celery disappear into the meat mixture, which is a wonderful trick if you are cooking for someone skeptical about vegetables.
02 -
- Overmixing is the single biggest enemy of tender meatloaf, so treat the mixture gently and stop folding the second everything looks combined.
- Lean turkey has very little fat to keep things moist, which is why the grated carrot and milk matter more than you might expect.
03 -
- Wetting your hands slightly before portioning the mixture into the tin prevents sticking and makes the whole process far less frustrating.
- Letting the baked muffins rest in the pan for the full five minutes is not optional if you want them to release cleanly without falling apart.