Mini Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
These Mini Turkey Meatloaves are a flavorful and health-conscious twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and a tangy balsamic ketchup glaze, these individual meatloaves bake quickly and are perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini meatloaves 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 2 lb 93/7 Ground Turkey
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (minced)
Glaze
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- Prepare: Heat the oven to 375˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Sauté Onions: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the mixture to a plate, spreading it out to cool for 5-10 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when combined.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, lightly beaten eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, minced parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the cooled onion mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated but not overworked.
- Shape the Mini Meatloaves: Divide the meatloaf mixture into eight equal portions, each about 5-6 ounces or roughly ¾ cup. Shape each portion into a small loaf and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar until combined. Brush half of this glaze over the tops of each mini meatloaf before baking.
- Bake: Place the meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150˚F with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Take the meatloaves out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meatloaves. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- These mini meatloaves freeze well; freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
- Leftover meatloaves can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf (about 5-6 oz)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: mini turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf recipe, individual meatloaves, turkey recipes, comfort food, quick meatloaf