Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

It all started when I was scrolling for dinner ideas one night and came across my friend Erin’s slow cooker Italian meatloaf . I had ground turkey in the fridge, so I gave it a try, and I was hooked.

That got me curious about other ways to use ground turkey, so I started testing a few ideas of my own – turkey meatballs , a keto-style meatloaf, and eventually these mini meatloaves. Something clicked, and I realized meatloaf didn’t have to be the dry, crumbly dish I remembered from childhood dinners.

So I kept playing around, and this mini meatloaf muffins recipe was the result. Baking the mixture in a muffin tin cuts the cook time way down, and gives every serving a crispy, cheesy top that a regular loaf just can’t match.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Here are just a few of the reasons why this recipe is worth making:

These mini meatloaves are exactly what a busy weeknight calls for. They come together fast and pair with pretty much any side dish you’ve already got planned.

Ground turkey is a great way to lighten up dinner without losing any flavor. The lean meat still packs in plenty of protein , just without the heavier fat content of ground beef.

And because they’re baked in a muffin pan, these turkey mini meatloaves cook in about 30 minutes instead of close to an hour like a traditional turkey meatloaf .

Ingredients

I like to make homemade bread crumbs to hold everything together, though store-bought will work just as well, and you can sub almond meal or gluten-free panko if you need to.

As for the milk , I usually reach for almond milk , but any milk you have on hand does the job.

And, of course, ground chicken, beef or even lamb makes a good swap for the turkey if that’s what you prefer.

If you want to bulk this mini meatloaf recipe up with veggies , you definitely can! Diced onion, tomato, and/or bell pepper can be stirred right into the mixture!

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️

1. Mix your meatloaf ingredients. Combine everything except the tomato sauce and mozzarella in a bowl. The sauce and cheese come later. Mix just until everything is just barely combined so muffins aren’t too dense or dry.

1. Fill the pan. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to pack the meatloaf mixture into each muffin cup. These won’t rise like regular muffins, so don’t be afraid to pack them full. Bake until they’re just about cooked through.

1. Add the toppings. Pull the pan out, spoon tomato sauce over each muffin, and add a slice of mozzarella on top.

1. Broil until golden. Pop the pan under your oven’s broiler just until the cheese melts and is starting to brown.

Madison’s Tips for Success:

I’ve tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use my tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!

1. Grease the tin well. A generous coating of non-stick spray or a little butter in each cup makes a big difference. These turkey meatloaf muffins can really stick, so don’t skip this step.
2. Always check the internal temperature with an instant read meat thermometer to make sure they’re fully cooked through to 165°F.
3. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. It gives everything time to set up so the muffins hold together better when you pull them out of the tin.

What to Serve With Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

The mini meatloaves pair really well with something simple on the side, like roasted root vegetables or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes .

FAQs About Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

What is a turkey meatloaf?

Turkey meatloaf is a comfort food made with ground turkey instead of beef or pork. It is usually mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and topped with ketchup or barbecue glaze.

What makes meatloaf muffins different?

Meatloaf muffins are baked in individual muffin cups instead of one large loaf. They cook faster, develop more browned edges, and are naturally portioned for easy serving.

How long do you cook turkey meatloaf muffins?

Turkey meatloaf muffins usually bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the oven temperature. They are done when the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

What are the ingredients in turkey meatloaf muffins?

Common ingredients include ground turkey, breadcrumbs or oats, egg, onion, garlic, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce. Ketchup or barbecue sauce is often added on top.

What is meatloaf?

Meatloaf is a dish made from ground meat combined with binders and seasonings, then shaped and baked. Traditional versions often use beef, pork, or a mixture of meats.

Are turkey meatloaf muffins healthy?

Turkey meatloaf muffins can be a lighter, high-protein alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. Their nutritional value depends on the turkey, binders, glaze, and other ingredients used.

Make It A Meal Train

When someone you know is going through a major life event, you may want to bring a meal to them or organize a meal train to show your support.

Here’s how you can turn this mini meatloaf recipe into a meal train.

• Bake the muffins fully, then let them cool completely before packaging so they don’t steam and get soggy in transit.
• Deliver them in a disposable foil pan or container so there’s nothing for your friend to wash and return.
• Include a small container of extra tomato sauce on the side so they can add more when reheating.
• Let them know the muffins reheat well in the oven or microwave, and that they can be frozen, too.

Before bringing over any food, be sure to ask about allergies and best drop off times.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Print Recipe

These mini turkey meatloaf muffins are baked in a muffin tin and topped with tomato sauce and melty mozzarella for an easy, kid-approved dinner.

• Author: Maya Collins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 12, 12 meatloaf muffins 1x
• Method: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb turkey
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• ⅔ cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice (I used almond milk)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 8 oz sliced mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350?. Grease a 12 count muffin tin and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients (1.5 lb turkey, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, ⅔ cup bread crumbs, and 2 tablespoons milk of choice) except tomato sauce and mozzarella.
3. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, add meatloaf mixture to every muffin tin, packing each one as much as you can (they will not rise).
4. Bake for 23 minutes. Remove from oven, top with ½ cup tomato sauce and 8 oz sliced mozzarella, and broil on high for remaining 7 minutes. Be sure to check internal temperature (165?) to make sure they are fully cooked.

Nutrition

• Calories: 159 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 448 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg