We love meatloaf – and I make it often, so I’m always trying to find ways to jazz it up and keep it moist. I love this recipe from Weelicious because it uses a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan and that’s such a great method for portioning.
Cheddar Cheese Turkey Meatloaf Muffins (adapted from Weelicious’ Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf Bites, yields 9)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 large zucchini, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 carrot, shredded
1 tbsp. EVOO
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 egg
Splash of soy sauce, liquid aminos, worcestershire sauce – whatever you prefer!
1 tsp. black pepper
1.5 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. italian seasoning
1/2 red pepper flake
Crunchy topping:
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 cup panko
Nutritional information per meatloaf muffin: 205 calories, 13 g fat, 16 g protein, 6 g carbs, 1 g fiber.
The Weelicious recipe calls for all the veggies to be raw but I prefer to cook mine before incorporating in with the meat. Chop the pepper, zucchini, onion, carrot, and garlic. Saute the pepper, zucchini, carrot, onion, and EVOO over medium-high heat for a few minutes (5-7). When the veggies have started to soften and brown, add the garlic. Saute for another 30 seconds-1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
In a big bowl, combine the meat, cheese, egg, panko, and spices. Mix it all together thoroughly, and then add the cooled veggie mix. Mix until fully combined.
Spray a muffin tin liberally with non-stick spray and fill each cup with the meat mixture. Be sure to press the mixture down into each cup so there are no air pockets. Bake on 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
While the meatloaf muffins were cooking I decided to make a crunchy topping out of panko and butter. It’s super simple – you just melt the butter over low heat, then add the panko, and then stir over low heat until the panko has browned up. Be sure not to go too far from the stove, this will burn fast!
Serve the meatloaf muffins with a spoonful of the crunchy panko right up on top! And some ketchup on the side because who doesn’t love ketchup on meatloaf?
These are moist, flavorful, and have great texture from the panko. They are also delicious and healthy! They can be stored in an airtight tupperware container for up to 5 days and warmed up night-of in the microwave for an easy weeknight supper.
Domestocrat 