Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mini turkey meatloaves shaped for fun, served with a savory herb gravy perfect for a family meal after sightseeing adventures. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs Ground turkey, Breadcrumbs, large Egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a small loaf about 3 inches long. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake the mini meatloaves for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: While meatloaves bake, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 5 minutes until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Serve the mini turkey meatloaves hot with the herb gravy spooned over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mount Rushmore-Inspired Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Herb Gravy?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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