BBQ Quinoa Meatloaf Muffins

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I've been on a big quinoa kick lately, so as soon as I saw Debbi's recipe (over at Debbie Does Dinner) for Quinoa Meatloaf Muffins, I knew what my SRC pick was going to be this month. I love that Debbi makes dinners that are only around 500 calories, so I didn't feel guilty making my decision. The quinoa basically does the same thing that breadcrumbs do in traditional meatloaf: they bind the whole thing together and add some texture. But you can't even tell it's in there! 

(Unless you're my husband and inspect your food while eating...then yes, you will notice the quinoa. Yet he still didn't mind!)

There was even a whole cupful of grated carrots in the meatloaf and neither Chris nor Bradley knew. I love sneaking extra veggies into Bradley's diet whenever I can, and it helps when the meal is super flavorful. These were moist and the BBQ sauce topping made them even better. I love that these were made with all turkey, too, so they weren't greasy and we saved a lot of calories. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Makes 15 muffins

• 2 lbs. ground turkey
• 2 cups quinoa, cooked
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tbsp. garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp. milk

BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
• Dash or 2 of tabasco

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 

Combine turkey, quinoa, carrots, onion, Worcestershire, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper together. Add the eggs and milk, making sure everything holds together. 

Divide the meat mixture into 15 wells in regular size muffin tins (do not grease the pans). Each muffin should have a rounded top and be heaping full. 

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until done.

While the meatloaf is cooking, make the BBQ sauce. Combine all of the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and cook for about 5 - 10 minutes on a low simmer until onions are slightly softened. Spread on meatloaf muffins about halfway into the cooking time. Add more sauce to cooked muffins, as desired.

Source: Adapted from Debbie Does Dinner

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