Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean or leaner for the healthiest option)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite flavor and heat level)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain, Italian-seasoned, or gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, salsa, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined – don’t overmix, or the meatloaves could be tough.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a mini meatloaf. Place the meatloaves onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatloaves are cooked through and an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) is reached.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaves to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives them time to set and for the juices to redistribute. Enjoy hot!
Tips:
- Customize the flavor: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or herbs like oregano or cilantro to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Prepare the meatloaves up to step 3 and refrigerate them covered until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Prevent sticking: Lightly spraying the baking sheet with cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
- Serving suggestions: Serve these mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
