It’s raining here in Los Angeles, which is such a welcome anomaly–here, you wake up every morning to clear blue skies and feel you have to live up the the day. It gets tiring quickly, and it’s a lot of pressure! So, I love it when it rains, and when it does it’s usually December or January so it’s cold, relatively speaking of course. One of the casualties of living in LA is that you are destined to become a weather wimp; no matter how hard you fight it, 50 seems cold and the cashmere comes out. That means fires in the fireplaces, and winter-weather food. I was in the mood for meatloaf but Emma won’t eat The Best Meatloaf (don’t ask…). However, she absolutely loves the turkey meatballs I make for Spaghetti and (Turkey) Meatballs, so I decided to do a riff on them and turn them into mini meatloafs. I served them with Oven-Roasted Crispy Potatoes, and everyone was happy.
serves 4
1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
1 medium onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup mayonaisse (I use light; hate the regular now)
3 T ketchup
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 T Dijon mustard
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 t herbs de provence
1/2 t ancho chili pepper
Preheat oven to 375. Dump the turkey meat into a big bowl. Saute the onion with the garlic until soft. Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients to the turkey meat. When the onions and garlic are done, and slightly cool, dump that in, too. Paw at the mixture with two forks, or your hands, until just combined (don’t overdo) and form into mini meatloafs. Put into a roasting pan and cook until done, about one hour.
This sounds like a wonderful healthy alternative. I love that you included ancho chili powder- that stuff is the best!
By: Phoo-D on January 18, 2010
at 12:31 pm
Oh I love mini things! These look great, perfect for lunchboxes too. Pleased you’ve got an excuse to get the cashmere out – though it’s been freezing here in London for weeks. It’s all I can do to stop myself going out wrapped in a duvet.
By: lickedspoon on January 18, 2010
at 12:31 pm
It’s so true about So CAl & becoming a weather wimp, I was one for 37 years. Now in Oregon, real warm clothes don’t come out until it’s 35. Love the mini-meatloaf, everything is better mini.
By: noble pig on January 18, 2010
at 2:19 pm
You know what? I hate the taste of ground turkey?? I have no idea why. However, if it has ancho chili powder in it, this may be something worth trying!
By: TheKitchenWitch on January 18, 2010
at 3:22 pm
Sounds really yummy. I’m not a huge mayo fan, you think Greek yogurt be a good substitute?
By: Fallon on January 18, 2010
at 4:04 pm
You can certainly try yogurt, but if you don’t use mayo my first recommendation would be to use whipped cream cheese (it’s a texture thing more than anything else).
By: Catherine on January 18, 2010
at 4:10 pm
still haven’t tried ground turkey..
By: peachkins on January 18, 2010
at 4:11 pm
Oh! These turkey mini meatloafs look so cute and full of flavor…mayonnaise…in it
Great pictures!
By: Juliana on January 18, 2010
at 8:09 pm
Catherine these turkey meatloaf look wonderful and tasty!! love it gloria
By: Gloria on January 19, 2010
at 5:31 am
I love the idea of the mini meatloaves, sounds great with turkey and I love the addition of ancho chili pepper!
By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie on January 19, 2010
at 9:41 am
Great recipe! I love mini loaves of anything because then I can freeze!
By: Barbara on January 19, 2010
at 10:04 am
Sounds like such a nice tasty change up from the riginal. I love how they look. Must make it more fun for the kids to eat also:)
By: donna on January 19, 2010
at 3:14 pm
never tried turkey meatloaf or balls (ha ha!) but I do love a good turkey burger so I should give this a try.
stay warm!
By: Monica H on January 19, 2010
at 6:23 pm
Such great spices in your meatballs. We are getting tired of the cold wet days here and would love some of your sunshine.
By: RobinSue on January 20, 2010
at 7:51 pm
Love it. Turkey meatloaf is a good time. Hm, I bet a green chili glaze would be good on those…
By: Bob on January 21, 2010
at 9:57 am
I’ve talked to a few friends in LA who were talking about the rain! It’s raining in Chicago today which is awesome, because its melting the snow.
I’ve made mini meatloaves too like that, except I wrapped a piece of bacon around each one.
It’s so good! My kids hate one meat loaf, but will eat a mini one…same ingredients too!
By: Jenn@slim-shoppin on January 21, 2010
at 10:59 am
I haven’t tried ground turkey yet,…
The food looks delicious!!! The turkey mini meatloafs look grand though!!
I think you have converted me to try turkey mince.
By: Sophie on January 26, 2010
at 1:45 am
I am def going to try this recipe for mini turkey meatballs. (BTW, every one of your food photos looks great!) I don’t like mayo, but I read one of your replies to a commenter where you indicate that whipped cream cheese can be used. That will do! Thanks!
I’m really glad I came across your blog, addicted as I’ve become to The Cooking Channel.
By: chantalereve on September 9, 2010
at 3:58 am