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Enjoy our Mini Turkey Meatloaf, a lighter take on the classic meatloaf, made just right for smaller portions. This ground turkey meatloaf recipe is seasoned with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian herbs, then topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner for one or two. This mini meatloaf is a wonderful addition to any recipe collection.
Looking for more small-portioned meatloaf options? Try our savory Mini Meatloaf, made with ground beef, or our tender Slow Cooker Meatloaf. These comforting dishes are perfect alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and a slice of freshly baked French bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make A Small Turkey Meatloaf
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Slow Cooker Instructions For Turkey Meatloaf
- Make-Ahead And Freezing Instructions For Your Turkey Meatloaf
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Mini Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Sized: This mini turkey meatloaf is just right for one or two servings, making it great for smaller households without any leftovers.
- Healthier Choice: Made with lean ground turkey, this recipe offers a lighter option compared to traditional beef meatloaf.
- Packed with Flavor: Sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs give each bite incredible taste, while the sweet glaze adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Simple to Make: Easy enough for beginners and quick for experienced cooks, this recipe promises a stress-free meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a special meal, this mini meatloaf fits the bill.
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Chosen for its rich, authentic olive flavor and health benefits, extra virgin olive oil adds depth to this recipe. It’s minimally processed, keeping the natural taste and nutrients intact. For a milder flavor, you can use lighter olive oil instead.
- Onions, Garlic, and Fresh Parsley: These ingredients are essential for adding layers of flavor to the meatloaf. Finely chopped onions and garlic give it depth and aroma, while parsley adds a fresh, herby touch. You’ll see these ingredients in many of our recipes, like Paprika Chicken, Baked Stuffed Fish, and Spaghetti and Meatballs.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper gives the meatloaf a balanced, flavorful profile. Italian seasoning, with basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, brings a Mediterranean flair. If you’re out, try substituting with one or two of these herbs for a similar taste.
- Ground Turkey: This recipe uses 6 ounces of ground turkey, a leaner option than beef, making the meatloaf a lighter, healthier choice. Leftover ground turkey works wonderfully in recipes like Turkey Tacos, Turkey Chili or in a Sloppy Joe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan not only adds a savory richness but also acts as a binder, helping hold the meatloaf together along with the breadcrumbs.
- One Egg: The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape while staying tender.
- Breadcrumbs: These provide structure, keeping the meatloaf from crumbling. Use homemade breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs from the store.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami richness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar: These ingredients create a sweet and tangy glaze that tops the meatloaf, adding a delicious finishing touch.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this ground turkey meatloaf recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Recipe Variations
- Add Cheese: Mix in grated cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy, savory twist that complements the turkey.
- Spicy Glaze: Stir a dash of hot sauce into the glaze for a hint of spice that balances the sweetness.
- Use Different Herbs: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to give the meatloaf an aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Barbecue Glaze: Swap the ketchup glaze for barbecue sauce to create a smoky, tangy topping.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions and garlic to bring added texture and flavor to each bite.
How To Make A Small Turkey Meatloaf
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a turkey meatloaf. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Place the ground turkey in a medium-sized bowl. Add the seasoned vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Using a large spoon, mix the meat and all of the ingredients together until fully combined.
- Shape the meatloaf into an oval and transfer it to a small baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the turkey meatloaf from the oven. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and brown sugar. Spoon over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, cover, and let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips
- Sauté Onions and Garlic First: Avoid adding raw onions and garlic directly to the meatloaf. Instead, take a few extra minutes to sauté them. This step deepens their flavor and adds essential moisture, giving the meatloaf a richer taste.
- Mix Gently: To keep your meatloaf tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Stir just until combined to prevent a dense, tough texture.
- Select the Right Baking Dish: The baking dish size makes a difference. Choose a 4×6-inch or a 5×5-inch dish to allow room for the meatloaf to cook evenly with a nice caramelized edge. A small sheet pan can work well, too.
- Customize Your Glaze: The glaze brings everything together. A blend of ketchup and brown sugar offers a sweet-tart flavor, but feel free to adjust. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or reduce it for tanginess. For variety, try using honey, molasses, maple syrup, or agave. Barbecue sauce also makes a great alternative for a smoky finish.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest under a loose foil cover. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy this mini turkey meatloaf:
- Serve with Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side, adding comfort and balance to the meatloaf.
- Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with roasted butternut squash or roasted carrots for a lighter, nutritious option.
- Over Rice: Slice the meatloaf and serve it over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal
- Make a Meatloaf Sandwich: Leftovers make a flavorful sandwich, perfect with a little mustard or extra glaze.
- Add a Side Salad: A fresh tomato salad or mixed greens bring a refreshing contrast to the meatloaf’s richness.
Slow Cooker Instructions For Turkey Meatloaf
If you’d like to make this mini turkey meatloaf in a slow cooker, here’s how. A small slow cooker (1.5 to 3 quarts) is ideal for this recipe.
- Start by following steps 1-3 of the original recipe (see the recipe block below).
- Once your meat mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf and place it gently into your slow cooker.
- Cover and set the slow cooker on high for 5 hours or on low for 3 hours. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Make-Ahead And Freezing Instructions For Your Turkey Meatloaf
Preparing in Advance:
- You can prepare the meatloaf a day ahead. Follow the recipe up to shaping it, then store the uncooked mixture in the fridge for up to one day. When ready to bake, shape the meatloaf and proceed with the baking instructions.
Freezing Unbaked Meatloaf:
- To freeze the meatloaf before baking, prepare it according to the recipe, then shape it into an oval. Wrap the shaped meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Freezing Baked Meatloaf:
- If you want to freeze a baked meatloaf, let it cool completely first. Then wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to one month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Properly stored, baked turkey meatloaf remains fresh and safe to eat for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure it’s covered or stored in an airtight container.
Absolutely! Feel free to double the ingredients for a larger serving. When doing so, use a larger baking dish and you may need to adjust the baking time to 40-45 minutes before applying the glaze. Use a digital instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating it’s fully cooked.
For a gluten-free version, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free breadcrumbs, certified gluten-free rolled oats, crushed nuts, gluten-free crackers, or Corn Chex cereal. If your Worcestershire sauce isn’t gluten-free, substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
I recommend using a 4×6-inch baking dish with a base area of 24 square inches or a 5×5-inch dish with a base area of 25 square inches. The key is to use a dish that snugly fits the meatloaf while allowing a little space around the edges for even cooking and proper caramelization.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small turkey meatloaf or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Mini Turkey Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 6 ounces ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
For the glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Place the ground turkey in a medium-sized bowl. Add the seasoned vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Using a large spoon, mix the meat and all of the ingredients together until fully combined.
- Shape the meatloaf into an oval and transfer it to a small lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the turkey meatloaf from the oven. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and brown sugar. Spoon over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, cover, and let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Sauté Onions and Garlic First: Avoid adding raw onions and garlic directly to the meatloaf. Instead, take a few extra minutes to sauté them. This step deepens their flavor and adds essential moisture, giving the meatloaf a richer taste.
- Mix Gently: To keep your meatloaf tender and juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Stir just until combined to prevent a dense, tough texture.
- Select the Right Baking Dish: The baking dish size makes a difference. Choose a 4×6-inch or a 5×5-inch dish to allow room for the meatloaf to cook evenly with a nice caramelized edge. A small sheet pan can work well, too.
- Customize Your Glaze: The glaze brings everything together. A blend of ketchup and brown sugar offers a sweet-tart flavor, but feel free to adjust. Add more brown sugar for sweetness or reduce it for tanginess. For variety, try using honey, molasses, maple syrup, or agave. Barbecue sauce also makes a great alternative for a smoky finish.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the meatloaf rest under a loose foil cover. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Very good. Substituted oatmeal for bread crumbs and yogurt for egg to hold ingredients together. Every recipe I’ve made from OneDishKitchen has been good. My go-to site for tasty one dish meals. If I see a recipe I’m interested in at another website, I check first to see if Joanie has made it.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I love the idea of using oatmeal and yogurt in the meatloaf—it’s always great to hear how you’re making the recipes your own. I’m truly honored that One Dish Kitchen is your go-to site, and I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying the recipes!
I really enjoyed this meal. I used 3 oz light and 3 oz dark meat. Otherwise followed exactly and that ketchup brown sugar glaze was awesome. Only took 20 minutes to reach temperature. Severed with you mashed potatoes. I really appreciate recipes for one. I only cook for myself, husband eats gluten free and has most meals delivered. So thanks for all these wonderful recipes for one.
Can oatmeal be substitute for bread crumbs?
Yes. Please read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of this recipe post. You can find the answers to most questions there.
Great recipe. First time using ground turkey. Out of parsley, so finely diced celery sauted with onion. Out of parmesan cheese so used nutritional yeast. Upped turkey to 8 oz to up protein intake. Added about 15 cc milk for added turkey. Took a little longer to cook. Delicious. Can’t wait to try with parsley and cheese.
I love the creative tweaks you made to the turkey meatloaf recipe! Substituting finely diced celery and nutritional yeast sounds like a fantastic way to adapt to what you had on hand. Adding more turkey and a bit of milk for that extra protein boost is also a great move!
Parsley and cheese will add even more flavor, so I’m excited for you to try it with those ingredients next time. Thanks so much for sharing your experience — this is super helpful for others who may want to make some changes too!
I loved the texture of this mini-meatloaf, and I loved the glaze. There was a little too much Italian seasoning for my taste, so I’ll decrease that next time. I also recently heard Ina Garten say that you can get a crispier crust if you bake your meatloaf on a sheet pan, so I did that, with good results.
I have found by using your website over the past three months, I have found ways to reduce food costs, and make delicious meals, bread and desserts for my self and grandkids when they come over. I have even recommended your website to others.
Thank you so much, Robert. I’m so happy to know our recipes are helpful to you.
Excellent recipe!! Delicious Dinner for Two!