Turkey Meatloaf

ByDeShawn Ellis
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Turkey Meatloaf

There’s a comforting charm to a homemade turkey meatloaf that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Packed with flavor and a touch of sweetness from the apple cider vinegar, this dish delivers a delightful balance that everyone will appreciate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a setting for sharing meals with loved ones, this turkey meatloaf is a recipe that you’ll want to have on hand.

Why Make This Recipe

  • This turkey meatloaf is not only delicious but also healthier than traditional meatloaf, making it a guilt-free comfort food option.
  • It comes together easily with pantry staples, making it an ideal choice for fast and flavorful weeknight dinners.
  • Plus, leftovers can be creatively repurposed for lunches or snacks throughout the week, enhancing its value.

Easy Method for Turkey Meatloaf

Making turkey meatloaf at home is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to create a scrumptious dish that your family will adore.

  1. Preheat Your Oven
    Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf bakes evenly and develops a nice crust.

  2. Combine Your Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, gather your ingredients:

    • 1 pound of lean ground turkey
    • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
    • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
    • 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
    • 1/4 cup of ketchup
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon of salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper

    Mix these together until everything is well combined. Using your hands can be particularly effective here, as it allows you to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

  3. Shape the Loaf
    Once your mixture is combined, shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased baking dish. The greasing helps to prevent it from sticking and allows for easy serving later.

  4. Make the Glaze
    In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the meatloaf’s flavor. Pour this mixture over the shaped meatloaf, allowing it to seep into the cracks for extra flavor.

  5. Bake to Perfection
    Bake your turkey meatloaf for about 45-55 minutes. To ensure it’s thoroughly cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for around 10 minutes; this step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute, leading to a moist meatloaf.

  6. Slice and Serve
    After resting, slice your turkey meatloaf and serve it up with your favorite sides.

Turkey Meatloaf

Best Way to Store Turkey Meatloaf

To keep your turkey meatloaf fresh and delicious, consider the following storage tips:

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C).
  • Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: For best results, reheat meatloaf slices in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If you use a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Classic Sides: Serve your meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots for a comforting, classic dinner.
  • Hearty Salads: Consider a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
  • Sauces and Gravy: Top your meatloaf with extra ketchup, barbecue sauce, or even a homemade gravy for an added flavor boost.
  • Sandwiches: Leftovers make excellent sandwiches. Slice the meatloaf and layer it between hearty bread, adding mustard or horseradish for a kick.
  • Wrap it Up: For a lighter meal, slice the meatloaf and wrap it in lettuce leaves with diced tomatoes and pickles for a fresh and flavorful bite.

Tips to Make Turkey Meatloaf

  • Moisture Matters: Adding shredded carrots like in this recipe not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist.
  • Don’t Overmix: Be mindful not to overmix the meat mixture, as that can result in a densified loaf rather than a tender one.
  • Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to customize the glaze. Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor or some hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a couple of suggestions:

  • Use Ground Chicken or Pork: Instead of turkey, try ground chicken or even pork for a different flavor profile. Both options offer unique tastes while maintaining the moistness needed for meatloaf.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: You can ramp up the nutritional content by including additional chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These variations can add extra color and nutrients to your dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape it into a loaf when ready to bake.

Q: How do I keep it moist?
A: Adding shredded veggies like carrots and not overmixing the meatloaf are key. Using a glaze also adds moisture and flavor.

Q: Can I use other ground meats?
A: Yes, for a different flavor, you can substitute the turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even pork. Each type will bring a unique taste to the meatloaf.

  • Q: Should I cover the meatloaf while baking?
    A: It’s not necessary to cover it while baking, as you want that nice crust to form. However, if you notice it’s browning too quickly, lightly tent it with foil.

Nutritional Information

While turkey meatloaf is a flavorful option, it’s also relatively healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might expect from a regular serving (based on typical ingredients):

  • Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal per slice
  • Protein: 20-25g
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Fiber: 1-2g

This makes it a hearty yet healthy option for dinner!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cooking time. Overbaking can dry out the meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done but not overcooked.
  • Ignoring Rest Time: Letting it rest after baking may seem optional, but it’s crucial for achieving a moist meatloaf.
  • Skimping on Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning. A little more garlic powder or even adding fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

This turkey meatloaf recipe is a delightful blend of flavor, texture, and convenience. It’s not just a dish, but an experience that brings families together, fills homes with delicious aromas, and nourishes in the most comforting way. Don’t hesitate to make this your go-to recipe for nights when you crave something hearty yet light—it’s bound to become a favorite. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner chef, and enjoy the process of creating this comforting meal in your very own kitchen! Happy cooking!

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Turkey Meatloaf

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo
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Description

A comforting homemade turkey meatloaf packed with flavor and a touch of sweetness from apple cider vinegar, making it a delightful balance for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup of ketchup
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, carrots, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple cider vinegar for the glaze, then pour it over the meatloaf.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

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Hey, I’m DeShawn Ellis—friends call me D. I’m 42 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and now I’m holding it down in Atlanta, Georgia, where I run a soul food kitchen that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Cooking isn’t just what I do it’s who I am. It’s how I honor where I come from, and how I speak love into the world.

My earliest memories are in my grandma’s kitchen barefoot on a step stool, stirring roux while she told me stories about her own mama, who used to cook for church fish fries back in the ’50s. That kitchen was my school. That woman was my first chef. She never measured a thing, but everything came out perfect. She taught me that food could heal, could gather people, could celebrate and comfort at the same time.

I didn’t come up through culinary school I came up through Sunday dinners, community cookouts, and elbow grease. I worked every back-of-house job you can think of, from janitor to pitmaster. Over time, I built my own rhythm in the kitchen deeply rooted in Southern Black tradition but open to everything. My oxtails have a splash of Caribbean heat. My collards might get kissed with smoked paprika and a dash of coconut vinegar. And yeah, I’ll put Cajun spice on anything that holds still long enough.

What drives me most is making food that feels like a hug from home. I want folks to taste a dish and remember their auntie's kitchen, or a summer evening on the porch, or that one bite that made them feel seen. But I also want to evolve because our food, our culture, is not stuck in the past. It’s growing, remixing, finding new voices. I’m proud to be one of them.

I cook for people who love food with a story behind it. You don’t need fancy tools or a French accent to make magic you just need heart, hustle, and a little bit of fire. If you’ve ever cooked with love, failed with style, or fed someone just to see them smile, then we’re already family.

Welcome to my kitchen. Let’s build something beautiful one bite at a time.

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