Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that’s perfect to use in a variety of dishes including turkey chili, turkey burgers and this super flavorful meatloaf.
Meatloaf is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. This turkey meatloaf has less calories than the traditional beef variety, but it’s packed full of flavor and also happens to be quite easy to make!
How do you make turkey meatloaf?
This recipe starts by cooking the onion and garlic until softened. The onion and garlic get added to a large bowl along with ground turkey, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and breadcrumbs. Everything gets mixed together, then the mixture is shaped into a loaf. Add ketchup over then top, then bake the meatloaf for one hour. Take the meatloaf out of the oven, then let it rest for five minutes, slice, and serve.
Tips for turkey meatloaf
Shape the meatloaf high as it tends to spread out a bit as it cooks. You can also cook the meatloaf in a loaf pan if you prefer. Make sure the entire surface of the meatloaf is covered by ketchup for a nice flavorful glaze. Turkey meatloaf can be made as a single loaf or as individual meatloaves in muffin tins. Individual meatloaves will have a shorter cook time, plan on 20-30 minutes. This recipe calls for 93% lean ground turkey. Do not use 99% lean ground turkey breast as the fat content is too low and the meatloaf will dry out in the oven.
How to make a meatloaf sandwich
You’ll want to use a sturdy bread like a french roll to hold up to the meatloaf. Toast the bread to keep it from getting soggy. Heat meatloaf all the way through in a toaster oven, regular oven or a microwave. Feel free to add tomatoes and lettuce or your favorite toppings to the sandwich.
Turkey meatloaf variations
This meatloaf recipe is delicious as-is, but there are some great ways to customize the dish with different flavor variations.
Italian: Add 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and use Italian breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Top the meatloaf with marinara sauce instead of ketchup. Mexican: Add 1/2 cup each of cheddar cheese, black beans, and corn to the meatloaf. For extra flavor and spice, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Cheesesteak: Add 1/2 cup each chopped of cooked peppers and mushrooms to the meatloaf. Also add 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese to the meatloaf. Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the meatloaf.
My whole family loves this recipe, I typically serve it with mashed potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a hearty meal without a lot of effort!
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