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Easy Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins for Back-to-School

mini turkey meatloaf muffins - featured image

These mini turkey meatloaf muffins are a quick, kid-friendly dinner solution perfect for busy school nights. Made with simple ingredients and baked in a muffin tin, they’re moist, flavorful, and ready in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the grated onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  4. Stir in the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the liquid.
  5. Add the ground turkey and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups (about 1/3 cup each). Press gently into each cup without packing too firmly.
  7. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of ketchup onto the top of each muffin and spread into an even layer.
  8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are golden brown.
  9. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a cooling rack or plate.
  10. Serve warm. These are also delicious at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step after baking—it helps the muffins stay moist. For best results, use 93/7 lean ground turkey and grate the onion instead of chopping it. The breadcrumbs need to soak for 2 minutes to ensure a tender texture. Overmixing will make the muffins tough.

Nutrition

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