Ground Turkey Meatloaf

There’s a certain charm about the aroma of a freshly baked Ground Turkey Meatloaf wafting through the house. It takes me back to my childhood, sitting at the dinner table with family, eager to dig into a hearty meal. Meatloaf was always a staple in our home, not just because it was easy to make but because it brought everyone together. Now, as an adult, I find myself recreating those cherished memories in my kitchen, often experimenting with different ingredients to give it a personal twist. This Ground Turkey Meatloaf is a favorite in my collection. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a healthier spin on the traditional recipe. I remember the first time I made it; I was amazed at how simple it was yet so delicious. The best part? It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that you can whip up in no time!

Essential Ingredients for Ground Turkey Meatloaf

When it comes to crafting a delicious Ground Turkey Meatloaf, the quality and harmony of ingredients are paramount. Each ingredient plays a significant role in creating a flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. The combination of ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and spices creates a delightful symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients you’ll need:

• 1½ cups finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing.
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into ⅛-inch dice: Adds sweetness and texture.
• ¾ pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and very finely chopped: Contributes umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided: Enhances flavors.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided: Adds spice.
• 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Deepens flavor.
• ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh parsley: For freshness.
• 5 tablespoons barbecue sauce, divided: For glazing and flavor.
• 1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs (from 2 slices firm white bread): Binds the mixture.
• ⅓ cup nonfat milk: Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder.
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten: Also acts as a binder.
• 1¼ pounds 93% lean ground turkey: The star of the dish!

Preparation Steps for Ground Turkey Meatloaf

Making this Ground Turkey Meatloaf is a breeze! With simple steps, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in no time. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking for your meatloaf.
2. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 2 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the meatloaf.
3. Add the diced carrot to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring, for about 3 more minutes. You want the carrot to be tender.
4. Next, incorporate the finely chopped mushrooms, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and become very tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
5. Once the mushrooms are cooked down, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and 3 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool.
6. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes. This soaking step enhances the moisture in the meatloaf.
7. Add the lightly beaten egg and egg white to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
8. To the cooled vegetable mixture, add the turkey and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Note that the mixture will be very moist.
9. Form the mixture into a 9×5-inch oval loaf and place it in a lightly oiled 13x9x2 inch metal baking pan. Brush the top evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce.
10. Bake in the middle of the oven until a meat thermometer inserted into the meatloaf registers 170°F, which should take about 50 to 55 minutes. This ensures it’s cooked through yet juicy.
11. Once baked, let the meatloaf stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute.

Recipe Notes about Ground Turkey Meatloaf

This Ground Turkey Meatloaf is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Here are some tips for making it even better:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices individually, wrapping them tightly to prevent freezer burn. They keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the slices gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Extra Sauce: For a glossy finish, brush on an extra thin layer of barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the cremini mushrooms with your favorite type or experiment with other vegetables like celery.

Pairing Suggestions for Ground Turkey Meatloaf

When serving a delicious Ground Turkey Meatloaf, you want to ensure the sides complement its flavors perfectly. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with meatloaf.
• Green Beans: Crisp-tender steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
• Salad: A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can bring lightness to the meal.
• Macaroni and Cheese: For those comfort food lovers, serve it with creamy macaroni and cheese.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the juices from the meatloaf.
• Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even special occasions like holidays.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed as a quick lunch.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Meatloaf stands out as a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf. Packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Ground Turkey Meatloaf

The ultimate comfort food, this Ground Turkey Meatloaf is packed with flavor and makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Juicy ground turkey mixed with savory vegetables and a hint of barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will please the whole family. Make it tonight for a hearty meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups Onion Finely chopped for sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Minced to enhance flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil Used for sautéing.
• 1 medium Carrot Peeled and cut into ⅛-inch dice to add sweetness.
• ¾ pound Cremini mushrooms Trimmed and finely chopped for umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Divided for seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground and divided.
• 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
• ⅓ cup Fresh parsley Finely chopped for freshness.
• 5 tablespoons Barbecue sauce Divided for glazing and flavor.
• 1 cup Fine fresh bread crumbs (Can substitute with panko bread crumbs).
• ⅓ cup Nonfat milk Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 large Egg Lightly beaten, acts as a binder.
• 1 large Egg white Also lightly beaten, acts as a binder.
• 1¼ pounds Ground turkey The main protein source.

Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• 13×9" Metal Baking Pan
• Basting Brush
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step ensures even cooking for your meatloaf.
2. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 2 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the meatloaf.
3. Add the diced carrot to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring, for about 3 more minutes. You want the carrot to be tender.
4. Next, incorporate the finely chopped mushrooms, along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and become very tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
5. Once the mushrooms are cooked down, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and 3 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool.
6. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes. This soaking step enhances the moisture in the meatloaf.
7. Add the lightly beaten egg and egg white to the bread crumb mixture and mix well.
8. To the cooled vegetable mixture, add the turkey and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Note that the mixture will be very moist.
9. Form the mixture into a 9×5-inch oval loaf and place it in a lightly oiled 13x9x2 inch metal baking pan. Brush the top evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce.
10. Bake in the middle of the oven until a meat thermometer inserted into the meatloaf registers 170°F, which should take about 50 to 55 minutes. This ensures it’s cooked through yet juicy.
11. Once baked, let the meatloaf stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices individually, wrapping them tightly to prevent freezer burn. They keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the slices gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Extra Sauce: For a glossy finish, brush on an extra thin layer of barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the cremini mushrooms with your favorite type or experiment with other vegetables like celery.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.