These turkey spinach meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on classic meatloaf, baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned, kid-friendly servings.
Using lean ground turkey and fresh spinach brings a nutritious punch, while melted cheese adds a delicious gooey texture.
They bake quickly and are easy to customize with your favorite seasonings for a wholesome, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baking the meatloaf mixture in muffin tins ensures even cooking and easy portion control.
- Lean ground turkey keeps the muffins lighter while maintaining protein content.
- Fresh spinach adds moisture, vitamins, and a mild flavor that blends well with turkey and cheese.
- Melting cheese on top adds a savory, creamy texture enhancing the overall taste.
- A combination of seasonings and vegetables creates balanced flavors that appeal to all ages.
Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Meatloaf Muffins
Mini meatloaf muffins loaded with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and melted cheese, perfect for easy portioning and family meals.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 25 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- 12 meatloaf muffins
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup (40g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Fill Muffin Cups Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, pressing gently to fill each one completely.
- Bake Meatloaf Muffins Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking Remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over each meatloaf muffin. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve Allow the meatloaf muffins to rest for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption of ground turkey.
- Finely chopping the spinach prevents large chunks and distributes it evenly throughout the meatloaf.
- You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or a cheese of your choice based on preference.
- Leftover meatloaf muffins can be reheated gently in a microwave or oven until heated through.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store cooled meatloaf muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating.
They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before mixing it into the meatloaf to avoid sogginess.
Can these meatloaf muffins be made ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and fill the muffin tin, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes, these turkey spinach meatloaf muffins are kid-friendly with mild flavors and manageable size portions.
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