grilled mini southwest turkey meatloaves

These moderately spicy meatloaves can be grilled in small loaf pans or right on the grill a la hamburgers. I tend to like them in pans for two reasons. First, they're stuffed with Pepper Jack cheese and the pans contain any escaping melty deliciousness. (No cheese down into the grill either.) Second, they look more like meatloaves if they've been cooked in pans. Grilling instructions courtesy David Morgan.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Meatloaf

Servings: 6

Author: More Time at the Table/Alyce Morgan

Equipment

6 aluminum mini-loaf pans such as Handi-foil, approximately 6" x 3" x 1 7/8"

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey
1 ½ cups salsa, divided (1 cup in meatloaf, 1/2 cup on top for serving)
2 1/4 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
2 eggs, well-beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/3 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounce can chopped mild or hot green chiles, drained
1/3 pound sliced Pepper Jack cheese

Instructions

Heat grill for medium-high direct heat--about 400 degrees F. Brush pans with olive oil and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together with your very clean hands ground turkey - green chiles. (Everything but the olive oil and Pepperjack cheese.)
Measure 1/2 cup turkey mixture into each of the pans and pat it down evenly. Fold a slice of pepperjack cheese in half lengthwise and place into center of each meatloaf. Measure and pat in evenly another 1/2 cup turkey mixture into each pan on top of the cheese, making sure to push down the edges well so that cheese has the least chance of escaping.
Place pans on grill, close lid, and cook about 25 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from grill to a rack or wooden board and let rest 3 minutes.
Turn each meatloaf out carefully onto serving plates, using a small knife to loosen them if necessary. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of reserved salsa down the center of each meatloaf. Serve hot with Cilantro Coleslaw and Tuxedo Cowboy Beans. (Recipes in post)

Notes

If not using aluminum pans, these meatloaves will be done somewhat quicker, perhaps after 15 minutes or so. They also make a tasty Juicy-Lucy type hamburger (burger stuffed with cheese) if that's your druthers. No need to melt cheese on top as it's on the inside! Top with spicy pickles and shredded cabbage or coleslaw.

For a less spicy meatloaf, use fewer green chiles, choose a mild salsa, and sub Monterey Jack or Cheddar for the Pepper Jack cheese.