Description
These Turkey Meatloaf Muffins are a delicious and convenient twist on classic meatloaf, featuring flavorful ground turkey mixed with herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a zesty marinara sauce topping. Baked in muffin tins for easy portion control and reduced cooking time, they make a perfect family meal or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approximately 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/4 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup milk (2% recommended)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pounds ground turkey (white meat, dark meat, or a combination)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 12-cup nonstick muffin pan thoroughly with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use a loaf or mini loaf pan. Set the pan aside for now.
- Sauté Onions: In a small skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the onions for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent. Transfer the cooked onions to a mixing bowl. You can let them cool, but the residual heat will not negatively impact the mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: To the onions, add minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, panko breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.
- Add Turkey: Add the ground turkey meat to the bowl and mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Muffins: Divide the ground turkey mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cup to form mini meatloaf muffins.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of a muffin reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, let the muffins rest for 5 to 10 minutes before removing them from the pan.
- Heat Sauce and Serve: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Serve the turkey meatloaf muffins topped with marinara sauce spooned over them and sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Optionally garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can use either white or dark ground turkey, or a mixture of both depending on your preference.
- If panko breadcrumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Muffins can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for meal prep convenience.
- Leftover muffins reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
