B's Mini Meatloaf Muffins

When I think of meatloaf two things come to mind, my grandmother and the movie A Christmas Story. My grandmother because I have fond memories of helping her prepare dinner and meatloaf was in the regular rotation. A Christmas Story because I just LOVE the scene where Randy (Ralphie's younger brother) has been reprimanded for playing with his food and enters his protest, "Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf." I suppose for some people the term meatloaf brings up memories of a dry hunk of meat that meant you would definitely be eating dinner at your friend's house! This was not he case at my grandmothers. Mawmaw's meatloaf was always moist, full of flavor and without leftovers. Unfortunately, mawmaw's meatloaf was also always full of fat and salt (not to mention time consuming).

I've been working on a recipe to capture that retro goodness found in my grandmother's cooking that doesn't require me to spend an extra 3 hours on the treadmill tomorrow. Finally!

Mix all ingredients

Into the muffin pan

Remove and glaze

Plate and enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 small yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T finely chopped cilantro
zest of 1 lime
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 bellpepper (any color) diced
2 chipotle peppers (canned) in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tsp celery salt
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (I use Kosher)
1 pound ground turkey breast

Topping:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 T chipotle pepper adobo sauce (reserved from can)
1 T brown sugar

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 8 muffin tins with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, onion, bellpepper, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, chipotle peppers, lime zest, celery salt, kosher salt and pepper until mixed. Next add in the oats and egg whites and combine. Fill each muffin cup to the top (makes about 8 muffins) pressing down lightly. Bake for 20 minutes.

While it cooks, combine ketchup, adobo sauce and brown sugar and set aside. Remove meat from oven after 20 minutes and spoon the sauce over the top of each meatloaf. Return to oven and continue cooking for 10 minutes (or until 160 degree center). Let meatloaf stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Per Mini Meatloaf - 110 calories, 1g fat, 6g carbs, 16g protein and 1 gram fiber.

Buon Appetito!