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Cozy Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins: Easy Lunchbox Idea

mini turkey meatloaf muffins - featured image

These mini turkey meatloaf muffins are a quick, easy, and kid-friendly lunchbox solution. Made with simple ingredients, they are moist, tender, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole milk or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely grated onion (about half a medium onion)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a 12-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to form a panade.
  3. Finely grate the onion using a box grater or food processor until almost a pulp.
  4. Add ground turkey, grated onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and dried oregano to the bowl with the panade. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, divide the meat mixture evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup to the top, mounded slightly. Do not press down.
  6. In a small bowl, stir the ketchup for the glaze.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the top of each mini meatloaf with a generous layer of ketchup.
  8. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  9. Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a small knife around the edges to loosen, then pop out onto a plate.

Notes

For best moisture, use 93/7 ground turkey. Grated onion is key for moisture and sweetness. Let muffins rest 5 minutes before removing from pan. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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