If you want a dish that mixes ease with hearty taste, try turkey meatloaf cups in cast iron. They serve as single servings that suit meal prep, kids’ lunches, or snacks. The sweet potatoes give a mild twist to classic comfort food. Let us see how to make these mini meatloaf cups.

Why Turkey and Sweet Potatoes?

Turkey gives lean protein without extra fat. It pairs with sweet potatoes that bring natural sweetness. The sweet potatoes also give fiber and vitamins. Together, they form a dish that is both healthy and full of flavor.

The Benefits of Cooking in Cast Iron

Cast iron cooks food evenly. It brings a unique taste to your food. Vintage pans have charm and strength. GEM pans, with shallow designs, heat quickly and brown well. These features make them great for meatloaf cups.

Ingredients

To make your turkey meatloaf cups, you’ll need:

1 pound of ground turkey
1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 zucchini, grated
1 egg
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor
Optional: a small amount of tomato paste or sauce if desired for richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give it time to become hot.

Prepare the Cast Iron Pans:
Grease your cast iron pans with olive oil or cooking spray. If you use GEM pans, make sure they are well-seasoned.

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey and mashed sweet potato. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, grated zucchini, and egg. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs if you use them. Mix until the parts are joined. Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Portion the Mixture:
Spoon the mix into your cast iron cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full so the mix can rise.

Bake:
Put your pans in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until each cup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve:
Let the meatloaf cups cool for a few minutes before you serve them. They taste great on their own or in a meatloaf sandwich.

Conclusion

These turkey meatloaf cups with sweet potatoes offer a fun, bite-sized meal. They show off the lightness of ground turkey and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. The recipe is both healthy and easy to prepare. You can freeze and reheat them, too. Enjoy the simple flavor and cozy feel of cast iron cooking in every bite!