Mini Turkey Meatloaf without Ketchup

Mini Turkey Meatloaf is super moist, topped with a rich, tangy glaze, and takes about 30 minutes to make. It's a fast, easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.

Serve with Sauteed Green Beans, Red Pepper Gouda Soup, and Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes for a comfort food meal the entire family will devour. 

❤️You're Going to Love This

• Fast, easy turkey meatloaf recipe with oatmeal that cooks in about 30 minutes -- not an hour, like regular meatloaf recipes.
• No special pans like a muffin tin or mini loaf pan are required. Turkey mini meatloaves are baked on a regular sheet pan.  
• These mini meatloaves fit perfectly on a Costco artisan roll for a killer leftover meatloaf sandwich!  
• The meatloaf and glaze get their sweet richness from tomato paste, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar-no ketchup. 

🍗Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts. 

• Ground turkey and Italian turkey sausage. For the best flavor and texture, I use a combination of lean ground turkey and turkey sausage. You can also use plain turkey sausage and add Italian seasoning. 
• Oats. Oats bind the mixture, add texture, and keep it moist. Use any kind of oats. Old-fashioned oats add more texture, while quick oats are finer. 
• Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds savory flavor and also acts as a binder.  
• Tomato paste. Since there is no ketchup in this mini meatloaf recipe, rich tomato paste is a stand-in in the meatloaf mix and glaze.  
• Maple syrup. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds the sweetness we love in meatloaf glaze, but without ketchup or brown sugar.  

🍅Substitutions

• Use any lean ground meat like lean ground beef, pork, or chicken. 
• Instead of Italian turkey sausage, add Italian seasoning to turkey or any kind of ground sausage. Or switch up the flavors with Creole seasoning or this delicious southwest spice blend. 
• Use bread crumbs or crushed crackers, croutons, or cornflakes instead of oats.   
• Use ketchup instead of the homemade glaze. Or this homemade Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce or Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce.
• I use balsamic vinegar instead of typical Worcestershire sauce in the meatloaf and glaze for a little more natural sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap out the balsamic with Worcestershire. 

🥣How to Make Mini Turkey Meatloaf with Oatmeal

Step 1: Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to gently mix it until just combined. Do not overwork the meatloaf mix or it can become dense and tough. 

Step 2: Place the meatloaf mixture on a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil and coated in non-stick spray. Pat the meatloaf into a 1 ½ to 2-inch thick rectangle. 

Step 3: Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Spread it evenly over the meatloaf. Use the dull edge of a butter knife to cut meatloaf into 8 mini meat loaves.

Step 4: Use the knife to gently slide the 8 mini loaves about an inch apart. 

☑️Expert Tips

• Mix meatloaf with your hands. Overmixing the turkey mixture can result in tough and dense meatloaf. Gently mix it with your hands until everything is just combined.   
• If you don't want to mix meatloaf with your hands, try putting the mixture in a large plastic bag and knead it through the bag. 
• Cutting the meatloaf into minis with the dull side of a butter knife, a silicone or wooden spatula, will prevent you from cutting through the foil. 
• Mini turkey meatloaves are even better the next day. Reheat them in the microwave or 350-degree oven, or eat them cold on a meatloaf sandwich!

🧊Storage & Freezing Instructions

• Storage. Store leftover baked mini meatloaves in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze -- Baked. Allow the mini turkey meatloaf to cool completely. Place the loaves in an airtight container, or wrap them in plastic then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to six months. Before reheating, let them thaw completely in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350-degree oven or in the microwave until they reach 165 degrees. 
• Freeze -- Unbaked. Prepare the meatloaf mixture and pat it into shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a jumbo freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Prepare and apply the glaze, cut it into pieces, and bake as directed.

❓FAQs

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