a family's meal / BBQ mini turkey loaf with a twist + a side of slaw

in case you're looking for ideas of what to add to your meal plan for the week you may want to give these a try. my girls are LOVING these mini turkey loafs lately. in fact, they were on our menu twice last week per their request.

the mini turkey loafs can be paired with corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes or make it gluten free (and extra healthy) with mashed cauliflower. we serve the mini loafs over a BBQ + ranch slaw, it's pure happiness in your mouth! make things easy on yourself and buy a pre chopped slaw or feel free to chop everything yourself, whatever works is fine with this meal.

mini turkey loaf with a twist + a side of slaw : { makes 6-12 mini loafs depending on size preference }

I N G R E D I E N T S: 

- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pastrami
- 2 stalks of green onion finely chopped (add 1 1/2 tbsps. use the rest for your slaw or garnish on top when the loafs are ready to eat)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (we use yellow)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (could substitute for shredded broccoli + carrot blend too)
- 1/4 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tbsp bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce (we use the Heniz Memphis sweet + tangy)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (add more or less depending on preference)
- 2-5 pinches kosher salt
- 2-5 pinches onion powder

- mix together in large mixing bowl

P R E P A R A T I O N: 

- set oven to 350 degrees
- oil muffin tin
- take prepared ingredients and place in muffin tin
- add a spoonful of BBQ sauce to top of meat-- press a hole in the middle of the meat. this helps with baking but is also key to keeping the meat moist and flavorful
- bake for 30-45 minutes or until meat is cooked

while loafs are in the oven you can prepare your slaw and other sides. if you're using a bag of pre-chopped slaw add green onion if so desire. add your BBQ + ranch to the slaw. Let sit until meat is ready. for our ranch dressing we either make it homemade if we have the ingredients on hand or we Newman's Organic Ranch Dressing. feel free to use whatever ranch you have for this. if you're anything like me, you have your favorite ranch options!

once the loafs are finished, it's time to eat, pray, and be happy. because that is exactly what will be going on in your mouth and tummy. a delicious dinner for all!