30-Minute Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Name: Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb turkey; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon parsley; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; ⅔ cup bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons milk of choice (I used almond milk); ½ cup tomato sauce; 8 oz sliced mozzarella

I used to think meatloaf just wasn't for me, but these turkey meatloaf muffins completely changed that! They're moist, full of flavor, and ready in about half the time of a traditional loaf. Plus, the melty mozzarella and tomato sauce on top make them feel like a treat instead of just another weeknight dinner.

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A muffin tin filled with turkey meatloaf muffins, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce, sits invitingly on the counter. A crisp white cloth is neatly placed beside the tin.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

It all started when I was scrolling for dinner ideas one night and came across my friend Erin's slow cooker Italian meatloaf. I had ground turkey in the fridge, so I gave it a try, and I was hooked.

That got me curious about other ways to use ground turkey, so I started testing a few ideas of my own - turkey meatballs, a keto-style meatloaf, and eventually these mini meatloaves. Something clicked, and I realized meatloaf didn't have to be the dry, crumbly dish I remembered from childhood dinners.

So I kept playing around, and this mini meatloaf muffins recipe was the result. Baking the mixture in a muffin tin cuts the cook time way down, and gives every serving a crispy, cheesy top that a regular loaf just can't match.

Two turkey meatloaf muffins sit on a plate, partially eaten, topped with a cheese-like topping. A fork rests nearby, and a white cloth is in the background.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Here are just a few of the reasons why this recipe is worth making:

These mini meatloaves are exactly what a busy weeknight calls for. They come together fast and pair with pretty much any side dish you've already got planned.

Ground turkey is a great way to lighten up dinner without losing any flavor. The lean meat still packs in plenty of protein, just without the heavier fat content of ground beef.

And because they're baked in a muffin pan, these turkey mini meatloaves cook in about 30 minutes instead of close to an hour like a traditional turkey meatloaf.

Ingredients

I like to make homemade bread crumbs to hold everything together, though store-bought will work just as well, and you can sub almond meal or gluten-free panko if you need to.

As for the milk, I usually reach for almond milk, but any milk you have on hand does the job.

And, of course, ground chicken, beef or even lamb makes a good swap for the turkey if that's what you prefer.

If you want to bulk this mini meatloaf recipe up with veggies, you definitely can! Diced onion, tomato, and/or bell pepper can be stirred right into the mixture!

Baking tray with several baked mini meatloaves topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce, placed near a white cloth.

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️

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A glass bowl contains ground meat, breadcrumbs, a raw egg, and seasonings, including black pepper and herbs, on a light surface.

Hand holding a measuring cup with raw minced meat over a cupcake pan, with more meat in a bowl nearby.

Mix your meatloaf ingredients. Combine everything except the tomato sauce and mozzarella in a bowl. The sauce and cheese come later. Mix just until everything is just barely combined so muffins aren't too dense or dry.

Fill the pan. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to pack the meatloaf mixture into each muffin cup. These won't rise like regular muffins, so don't be afraid to pack them full. Bake until they're just about cooked through.

Hand placing mozzarella slices on meatloaf muffins topped with tomato sauce in a muffin tin.

Close-up of a muffin tin with baked mini pizza cups, reminiscent of savory turkey meatloaf muffins, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce.

Add the toppings. Pull the pan out, spoon tomato sauce over each muffin, and add a slice of mozzarella on top.

Broil until golden. Pop the pan under your oven's broiler just until the cheese melts and is starting to brown.

Madison's Tips for Success:

I've tested this recipe and have successfully made it many times. Use my tips to ensure that it turns out perfectly for you, too!

Grease the tin well. A generous coating of non-stick spray or a little butter in each cup makes a big difference. These turkey meatloaf muffins can really stick, so don't skip this step.
Always check the internal temperature with an instant read meat thermometer to make sure they're fully cooked through to 165°F.
Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. It gives everything time to set up so the muffins hold together better when you pull them out of the tin.

Baked mini meatloaves topped with tomato sauce and cheese in a muffin tray.

What to Serve With Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

The mini meatloaves pair really well with something simple on the side, like roasted root vegetables or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store leftover meatloaves?

Transfer fully cooled muffins to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to reheat them to an internal temp of 165°F. before serving.

Can I freeze turkey meatloaf muffins?

Yes! To freeze them unbaked, scoop the mixture into balls with a large cookie scoop and flash freeze on a baking sheet for 10-20 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. Either way, be sure to thaw completely in the fridge before reheating or baking. They'll keep for up to 6 months.

How do you keep meatloaf from getting too dry?

Part of the solution is cook time, and part of it is the ingredients. Mini meatloaf stays moist because the bake time is so much shorter, and ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs help hold everything together so it doesn't dry out.

What if I don't have a muffin pan?

This isn't a problem! The mixture works great in a small loaf pan if that's all you have on hand. Just plan for a longer bake time since it won't cook as fast as individual portions.

Two turkey meatloaf muffins on a white plate, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce.

Make It A Meal Train

When someone you know is going through a major life event, you may want to bring a meal to them or organize a meal train to show your support.

Here's how you can turn this mini meatloaf recipe into a meal train.

Bake the muffins fully, then let them cool completely before packaging so they don't steam and get soggy in transit.
Deliver them in a disposable foil pan or container so there's nothing for your friend to wash and return.
Include a small container of extra tomato sauce on the side so they can add more when reheating.
Let them know the muffins reheat well in the oven or microwave, and that they can be frozen, too.

Before bringing over any food, be sure to ask about allergies and best drop off times.

Learn More About Meal Trains

Two mini meatloaves topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce sit on a white plate.

Did you make this recipe?

If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.