1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in mini meatloaf?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this mini meatloaf recipe. Opt for lean ground beef (like 90/10) to keep the fat content in check. Note that beef may require an extra 5 minutes of baking time. Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer—160°F for beef.

2. How do I prevent my mini meatloaf from drying out?

To keep your mini meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and don’t overbake. Incorporating finely diced vegetables like onion and bell pepper adds natural moisture. Using 93/7 ground turkey (a mix of dark and white meat) also helps retain juiciness. Letting the loaves rest before serving locks in the moisture.

3. Can I prepare mini meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook the mini meatloaf, let them cool, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for a quick, delicious meal anytime.

Mini Meatloaf – Best Healthy Recipe

Name: Mini Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490962H19M5S
Total time: PT-490962H19M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil – divided; 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper; 1/4 cup diced yellow onion; 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean); 1 large egg – lightly beaten; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the glaze:; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon chili sauce; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper – to taste

Description

This Mini Meatloaf recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey and packed with savory seasonings and hidden veggies, these individual-sized loaves are topped with a sweet and tangy glaze and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil – divided
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced yellow onion
1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean)
1 large egg – lightly beaten
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the glaze:
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon chili sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper – to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté diced bell pepper and onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooled vegetables to the meat mixture and mix gently by hand until combined. Do not overmix.
Divide mixture into 4–5 equal portions (about 1/2 cup each) and form into mini loaves. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Whisk together glaze ingredients: ketchup, chili sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Brush evenly over each loaf.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use 93/7 ground turkey for best moisture and flavor balance.
Don’t overmix the meat to avoid tough texture.
Can substitute turkey with lean ground beef, chicken, or pork.
Make ahead: Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze cooked mini loaves for up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
Calories: 210
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 80mg