A delightful twist on classic meatloaf, these Italian-inspired turkey muffin loaves are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any meal.
Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Ensure the muffin tin is well greased to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced onion, minced garlic, 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce, the egg, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the loaves dense.
Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the prepared muffin tin cups, pressing gently to shape.
Use a spoon or your hands to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Top each loaf with a tablespoon of the remaining marinara sauce and a sprinkle of the remaining shredded mozzarella.
Adding the topping before baking allows the cheese to melt and brown beautifully.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the loaves are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the loaves are fully cooked without overbaking.
Let the loaves cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Allowing the loaves to rest helps retain their juices and makes them easier to remove from the tin.