Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaves

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These healthy and delicious Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaves are simple to make, quick to bake and are the perfect size for kids. A great way to enjoy meatloaf during the week.

Meatloaf is a staple in our house. Everyone loves it and they ask for it all the time. However, when I'm running around crazy with the kids the last thing I want to do is make a grand meatloaf and wait forever for it to bake. Then I discovered mini meatloaves! Whoever thought of this (it wasn't me), was a genius! Making meatloaf in smaller portions is the way to go so we can enjoy it during the week.

This recipe is also a great meal prep and make ahead dish. I am a huge meal planner and do most of my prep work on Sundays. This recipe works great. Make the meatloaf, place it in your muffin pan and store in fridge until ready to bake. Or another option is to bake them all up at once, and prep ready to reheat meals. Both options work very well with this delicious BBQ turkey meatloaf recipe.

Top view of mini bbq turkey meatloaves in pan.

BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

Ground Turkey
Panko Crumbs
Eggs
Minced Dried Onion
Parsley
Minced Garlic
Mustard Powder
Salt
Pepper
Worcestershire Sauce
BBQ Sauce

Substitution Suggestions

Ground Turkey: The turkey keeps this meatloaf leaner and lower in calories and fat. It can be substituted with ground chicken or ground beef.
Panko Crumbs: Can be substituted with bread crumbs.
Mustard Powder: In a pinch you can substitute bottled yellow mustard or Dijon mustard.
BBQ Sauce: I prefer to use my favorite store bought sauce, Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ Sauce. Use your favorite or use a delicious homemade sauce too.

How to Make Mini Turkey Meatloaves with BBQ Sauce

In a bowl combine the ground turkey, panko crumbs, eggs, minced onion, parsley, minced garlic, mustard powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce.
Mix gently until it all comes together and is completely combined.
Using a large scoop, scoop the mixture into a 12 count muffin pan or brownie pan.
Place about 1 teaspoon of BBQ sauce on top of each mini meatloaf and spread it out a bit.
Bake the meatloaves in a 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mini bbq turkey meatloaf ingredients on board.

Meatloaf mixed in bowl with scooper ready to be put into brownie pan.

Can I Make Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaves Ahead of Time?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for a make ahead meal. Prep the mini meatloaves according to recipe directions. Once the mini loaves are in the pan, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It is best to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. If you forget no worries, just increase the baking time by about 5 minutes.

This recipe also works well for make ahead meal prep dishes. Follow all the recipe directions. Once the loaves are done baking, let them cool completely. Then store them in your meal prep dishes with a healthy side dish and store in fridge.

Can I freeze Mini Turkey Meatloaves?

Yes! They can be frozen cooked or uncooked. If you want to make them for a freezer meal, shape the meat mixture into small loaves or large meatballs and place them apart on a sheet pan or in a aluminum foil pan. Add some BBQ sauce on top and then place them in the freezer for about an hour to flash freeze. Once they are frozen, place in a freezer safe bag or container and then label and date. Or you can tightly cover the aluminum pan and use that. These will last in the freezer for 3-4 months. When ready to cook, take out the night before and thaw in the fridge. Place loaves on a sheet pan and follow cooking instructions in recipe. May have to increase cooking time by about 5 minutes or so.

Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaves also freeze well cooked. Follow the recipe directions and then let the loaves cool completely. Place the cooked loaves in a freezer safe container or zip top bag, label and date and freeze. When ready to use, thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or in oven on low heat.

What to Serve with Healthy Meatloaf

FAQs About Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaves

Why is my turkey meatloaf mushy?

Turkey is lighter than ground beef so it doesn't need as mush moisture added to the meat like beef does. If the meatloaf is turning out mushy check your meat to filler ratio. Try using dry breadcrumbs or panko rather than milk soaked bread. If you use milk in your recipe, only add a little bit at a time to reached your desired consistency.

Is it best to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered?

I prefer to cook my mini meatloaves and meatloaf uncovered. I like the crisp outside edges it creates. It can be baked covered with aluminum foil and removed for the last 15 minutes of baking time. Covering it will create some steam and keep the meatloaf moist.

What is the secret to moist meatloaf?

For turkey meatloaf, don't add any additional liquid to the mix. Use a thicker sauce or just eggs. For beef based meatloaf, use milk soaked breadcrumbs to add extra moisture to the mixture.

Mini bbq turkey meatloaves and mashed potatoes on blue plate with bite of meatloaf on fork.

More Family Friendly Weeknight Meals:

Mini bbq turkey meatloaves on square with plate with extra bbq sauce in sauce cup.

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