Description
These Mini Turkey Meatloaves are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option featuring tender ground turkey mixed with flavorful seasonings and a melty cheese center. Baked to perfection and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, they make a perfect family meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey (beef or chicken also work)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup finely crushed cheese crackers (such as Cheez-It)
- 4 oz. shredded or cubed cheese (pepper Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella also work), divided
Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (Dijon also works)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside for later use.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic mixture with the ground turkey, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed cheese crackers. Mix thoroughly using your hands, but be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Form mini meatloaves: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly, then place approximately 1 ounce of shredded or cubed cheese in the center. Fold the edges around the cheese and pinch together carefully to seal, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Place each formed loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth. This tangy glaze will add a delicious finishing touch.
- Apply glaze: Brush the top of each meatloaf generously with the ketchup glaze, ensuring an even coating for a flavorful crust once baked.
- Bake the meatloaves: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 160°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- Different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack can be used inside the meatloaves based on your taste.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaves tender and moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
- Leftover meatloaves can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
