I’m all about comfort food lately. I don’t know about you guys, but when I think comfort food I usually associate it with LOTS of calories. But today, I’m changin’ it up! I’m bringing you comfort food that’s delicious AND good for you! Classic meatloaf is usually made with fatty cuts of meat, but these Mini Stuffed Turkey Meatloaves are made with ground turkey which contains less saturated fat and cholesterol. We can all enjoy these and keep our resolutions to eat healthy and stay in shape!
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes have always been at the tippy top of the comfort food list at our house. It’s not a fancy meal, but it’s always so flavorful and hearty. I wanted to create a healthier version that we would still love, but not have to compromise on any of the flavor. I’ve packed these mini meatloaves with onions, garlic, spinach, roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella. I’ve also added Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, grated parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs which boosts the flavor of these beauties to make them simply savory and delicious.
This recipe makes 8 mini meatloaves. You can also use a large muffin tin or a 9×5 inch loaf pan to make one large meat loaf. If you make the mini meatloaves you will cook them at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 170 degrees. If you make a large meatloaf you will need to cook it a little longer, approximately 50-55 minutes. Either way you layer some of the turkey meat mixture at the bottom, followed by a few spinach leaves, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella slices, and top with more of the turkey meat mixture. I finish it off with some extra tomato sauce, a sprinkle of panko bread crumbs and parsley.
These Mini Stuffed Turkey Meatloaves are comfort food at its finest AND healthiest! Enjoy!
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning I use Mrs. Dash Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus extra for top of meatloaves
- 4 Tbsp. tomato sauce plus extra for top of meatloaves
- 1 cup Italian panko bread crumbs plus extra for top of meatloaves
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 large egg white lightly beaten
- 1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
- 2 cups baby spinach packed
- 1 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers cut into strips
- 10 oz. fresh mozzarella sliced then halved
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Spray mini loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place mini loaf pan on baking sheet. Set aside.
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Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add salt, pepper and Italian seasoning and continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
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Stir in parsley and tomato sauce. remove from heat and let cool.
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In large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk and let stand for 5 minutes.
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Stir in grated parmesan cheese, egg, egg white, cooled vegetables and turkey meat.
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Mix well with your hands.
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In each loaf well place some of the turkey mixture, followed by a few spinach leaves, roasted pepper strips, fresh mozzarella slices then top with more of the turkey mixture.
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Top each mini meatloaf with a tablespoon of tomato sauce, a sprinkle of panko bread crumbs and parsley.
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Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees.
OMG, I am all about some comfort foods right now, Mary Ann! And if they can be healthy, that is an added bonus! I am sooo loving these mini stuffed turkey meatloaves! Love that they are mini, because I don’t do the whole sharing thing and I love that you stuffed these with lots of yummies! These are absolutely perfect! Pinned!! Cheers, my dear!
This time of year it’s all about comfort food around here! My husband Tom LOVES meatloaf, but is always complaining he needs to eat better, so I thought these fit the bill! He even eats the spinach!
What a fantastic idea to stuff these mini meat loaves! It’s like a meatloaf sandwich minus the bread. I can’t wait to try this! I know my boys will love it.
Thanks Cathy! I hope they enjoy them! Have a great weekend!
Looks like we both had turkey on the brain today!! ;) LOVE these mini meatloaves! These days, I’m eating comfort food for like 90% of all my meals, but I’m with you — healthy comfort food all the way. Pinning! Have a fabulous day dear!
Yes Lauren! Thanks for pinning and enjoy your weekend!
These look delicious, Mary Ann! I’m with you on the comfort food right now and I love that they’re stuffed- what a great idea! Pinned!
Thanks Jessica! Ground turkey can be somewhat boring, so I figured stuffing it with something would definitely make it more flavorful and delicious! Enjoy!
Comfort food and healthy is quite an accomplishment, Mary Ann. I’m been craving comfort food even though I know I should be eating salads – spring will be here before you know it!
I know! Trying to incorporate more healthy options into my diet everyday!
This cold weather is definitely the time for some yummy comfort food! Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are at the tippy top of my happy list too! This lightened up version is a nice change from the norm and the mini size is just perfect!
Agreed Rachelle!
I bet these would freeze so well and would be perfect for setting aside individual little portions. :) I prefer turkey meatloaf to beef as well and those add-ins are so great!
These do freeze really well Emily! Roasted peppers are a favorite of mine, so I knew I had to include them!
These mini meatloafs look fantastic! I haven’t had meatloaf in such a long time. I think I need to make it again and in mini form!
Thanks Kelley! You should definitely try these!
Mary Ann, these look adorable and I always use at least some ground turkey for my meat loaves. I like the things you added to this improve the health and flavor factor.
Ground turkey can be somewhat boring, so the spinach, roasted peppers and mozzarella jazzed it up!