Description
A tender, juicy mini meatloaf made with lean ground turkey, grated zucchini, and cottage cheese, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small-curd)
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (yellow or sweet)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a small loaf pan (8×4-inch) with cooking spray.
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg lightly. Add cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and squeezed zucchini; stir until combined.
- Add oats, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey. Using your hands, gently mix until just combined (about 20 folds). Do not overmix.
- Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder (if using). Set aside 2 tablespoons.
- Bake meatloaf for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spoon half of the glaze over the top. Return to oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove again and spoon remaining glaze on top. Bake for 5-10 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let meatloaf rest in pan for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Squeeze zucchini dry to prevent soggy meatloaf. Use your hands to mix for even incorporation. Let meatloaf rest before slicing to maintain structure. If glaze starts to burn, tent with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: mini meatloaf, lighter meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, ground turkey, healthy meatloaf, dinner for two