Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups

Name: Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded turkey (Lean protein heaven); 2 cups stuffing mix (Flavor base for the dish); 1 cup gravy (Ties the dish together); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional) (Use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella); 2 large eggs (Acts as a binding agent); 1/2 cup chopped celery (Adds crunch); 1/2 cup chopped onion (Essential for the aroma); to taste none salt and pepper (Enhances the flavors); as needed none butter or oil for greasing muffin tin (Prevents sticking)

Posted on October 15, 2025

Muffin tin turkey stuffing cups ready to serve, displaying a golden-brown finish.

Dinner Ideas

Easy Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups: A Cozy, Comforting Meal

Ah, the beauty of using a muffin tin. When I first discovered the wonders of muffin tin meals, I could hardly contain my excitement. It seemed like I’d struck gold in the kitchen—who knew that one simple piece of bakeware could bring such joy and creativity? I mean, muffin tins are not only for breakfast pastries but also for easy weeknight dinners and cozy, one-bite snacks that bring everyone together.

Living in a household where leftovers seem to mysteriously vanish into thin air doesn’t make dinner prep any easier, but thank goodness for this recipe for Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups. It’s the kind of dish that requires minimal energy and guarantees maximum happiness, which is especially key after long days at work or spontaneous Netflix marathons.

Picture this: The aroma of baked turkey mingling with savory stuffing wafts through the air as I pull that muffin tin out of the oven. It’s like I’ve created a masterpiece of comfort food that even picky eaters can’t resist. Honestly, this is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening or a great conversation starter during family gatherings.

But let me backtrack for a moment. The first time I attempted to make these delightful little cups, I had a total kitchen disaster. I was too ambitious and poured way too much gravy—like, probably enough to fill another tin—forgetting that muffin tins don’t need to swim in sauce! Oops. The result? A deliciously messy kitchen and a tray full of stuffing cups that resembled a Thanksgiving tragedy. However, with a bit of tweaking and some handy kitchen lessons learned, I somehow made it work. And they turned out to be surprisingly nourishing, making for the ultimate healthy comfort food. You see? Every kitchen mishap has a silver lining or two.

With that said, let’s dig into why this recipe matters to me. It’s not just about the food; it’s about capturing those moments when we all gather around the dinner table, with laughter echoing off the walls, nostalgia hanging thick in the air as we relive childhood memories. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to use up all that leftover turkey sitting in the fridge after the holidays. And honestly, who wouldn’t love that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dinner in a Pinch: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes flat. Perfect for quick family meals when time isn’t on your side!
Leftover Hero: It’s a fantastic way to use up that leftover turkey (or chicken), reducing waste while keeping the flavors on point.
Picky Eater Approved: Kids (and adults!) love the fun and handy portions. Just think mini turkey cups—how cool is that?
Meal Prep Winner: These little cups freeze like a dream, making them ideal for healthy meal prep. Pop them in the microwave for a nourishing meal any day of the week.
Customization Galore: Want to add bacon bits, different veggies, or spices? Go for it! These cups are a blank canvas perfect for tailoring to your palate.
Feels Like a Hug: Honestly, when you take that first bite, it’s like a blanket of love wrapping around you, making it the ultimate comfort food.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

These Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups are special not just because they’re tasty but because of the nostalgia they evoke. Picture autumn evenings filled with the scent of roasting turkey; the warmth of family gathered around a table; the joy of sharing good food and great stories. Each cup encapsulates those feelings. The unique flavors of savory stuffing are complemented by the tender turkey, creating a delightful harmony that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded turkey: Lean protein heaven! It brings the heartiness and nostalgia of Thanksgiving dinners right into your weeknight meal.
2 cups stuffing mix: The flavor base that adds all that garlicky, herbaceous goodness that we cherish in our stuffing.
1 cup gravy: Because let’s face it—gravy is what really ties the dish together!
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional): A little melty goodness never hurt anybody. Use your favorite—cheddar or mozzarella are perfect options.
2 eggs: These act as a binding agent, giving a satisfying texture to our little cups.
1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a delightful crunch!
1/2 cup chopped onion: The aroma of sautéed onions is something you don’t want to skip out on.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring all those flavors to the forefront.
Butter or oil for greasing muffin tin: Nothing likes to stick; let’s keep it easy-peasy.

Now, a quick word of advice: check the expiration date on that stuffing mix! You don’t want anything that’s been hanging around since the last holiday season. Trust me on this—oops moments happen, and stale stuffing is one for the books!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the heat fills the kitchen, it kind of gets me excited because I know something delicious is about to happen!

In a large bowl, combine your shredded turkey, stuffing mix, chopped celery, chopped onion, the beaten eggs, and half of your gravy. Now, brace yourself; when you mix it all together, the aroma of savory turkey and stuffing permeates the kitchen! I love the sight of all those ingredients swirling together—it’s a beautiful mess! And trust me, you can use your hands to mix it if you’re feeling fun. There’s something oddly satisfying about getting a bit messy in the kitchen, right?

Next, grab that muffin tin you’ve lovingly greased with butter (which we all know smells divine), and scoop the turkey and stuffing mixture into each muffin cup until they’re about 3/4 full. Be bold here! I like to use an ice cream scoop for this; it makes it so much easier and less messy (button up that shirt if you’re worried).

Now sprinkle some cheese (or not) on top of each cup. I mean, who can resist a gooey, cheesy topping? My cheese-loving self usually goes all out!

Pop those beauties into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden brown and heated through. It’s almost like magic when they puff up a bit and the tops get that gorgeous color. The sound of them bubbling away is a theme song of my kitchen, I swear!

When you finally pull them out of the oven, the world slows down as the smell takes center stage. Drizzle on that remaining gravy to finish it off. For real, you might even shed a happy tear at how comforting this dish is. Let them cool slightly before serving—trust me, patience here pays off as you bite into each flavorful cup.

Tips for Best Results

Okay, pro tip time! I’ve learned a few tricks through my many kitchen adventures:

Don’t overpack the muffin cups: If you stuff these to the brim, they’ll overflow like a hot mess in your oven. Stick to the 3/4 full rule.
For extra flavor: Sauté the onion and celery before adding them in. It’s a bit of extra work, but the depth of flavor will blow your mind.
Make them your own: Experiment with spices like dried thyme or rosemary. I like to toss in a bit of garlic powder, too.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Now, maybe turkey isn’t your jam? Consider using shredded chicken or even a plant-based alternative if you want a vegan meal prep plan! Need to lower carbs? Swap the stuffing mix for cauliflower rice—seriously, it’s a game changer that still provides that comforting texture.

If you want a keto meal plan, I’ve seen folks use almond flour in the mixture, and it keeps everything nice and cohesive without the carbs—yes, please! You can also throw in veggies like bell peppers or even peas to jazz things up a bit.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these delightful muffin cups with a kale salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or if you want to indulge, pair them with buttery, garlicky mashed potatoes. Seriously, this combo is pure bliss!

And let’s not forget the magic of texture—these little cups would go wonderfully with a crispy side of roasted Brussels sprouts. Add a glass of your favorite iced tea (or a warm cup of cocoa) and settle in for a cozy night in with a rom-com.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any of these Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups left (which is rare in my house), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, although I doubt they’ll last that long!

Reheating is a cinch—just pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or slide them back into a preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Just be careful; no one wants that turkey to become a rubbery affair!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

What I love most is that these cups can be prepared meals for two or even larger batches for meal prepping. Make a double batch, let them cool completely, and then store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. When you need a quick meal, just reheat straight from the freezer!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One oops moment you want to avoid is not checking if your muffin tin is sufficiently greased. A sticky situation can lead to losing half your creation when you try to pry them out. Trust me; I’ve scraped many a turkey cup off the tin—what a tragedy!

Also, don’t skip the eggs! They are crucial for binding everything together. Substituting applesauce or another liquid doesn’t always work here. Stick to what I’ve suggested for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the turkey out for a good veggie alternative like lentils or chopped mushrooms and skip the gravy.
How do I know when they are done?
You’re looking for a lovely golden color on the top. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Can I bake these in a different kind of pan?
Sure! You can use a casserole dish, but you might want to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it; it’ll take longer than in a muffin tin.
What sides go well with these cups?
I love pairing them with a light salad, mashed potatoes, and of course, more gravy. They also go great with a side of steamed veggies to keep it on the healthy side.
How long does it take to make these?
From prep to table, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes. Not too shabby for a wholesome meal!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Muffin tin: a must for any baker or home cook!
Mixing bowl: something big enough to accommodate a hand-mixed explosion.
Spoon or spatula: for mixing it all together.
Measuring cups: because we want the right proportions, folks!

Final Thoughts

Cooking is all about the love and chaos, and this recipe for Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups truly embodies that. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to bond over the table, enjoying the little moments that make life worth living. If I could send you a warm hug through this screen, I totally would!

So go ahead and make a batch (or two)! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!