Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

User Reviews

5

14 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr 35 mins

  • Rest Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    2 hrs

  • Servings

    8 people

  • Calories

    323 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This Turkey Meatloaf features ground turkey mixed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a combination of eggs, half and half, and seasonings for moisture and flavor. It includes breadcrumbs and shredded cheddar cheese for texture and richness. A ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze tops the meatloaf, adding a tangy finish and a browned crust from baking.

Description

The recipe begins by preheating the oven and sautéing diced onions and bell peppers with garlic in butter until softened. Eggs are whisked with half and half, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful binder.

Breadcrumbs and the cooled sautéed vegetable mixture are added, followed by gently mixing in the ground turkey. Care is taken not to overwork the meat to retain tenderness. The meat mixture is placed into a greased meatloaf pan with a technique to create space around the edges, promoting air flow and a crisp crust during baking.

A glaze made from ketchup and BBQ sauce is spread atop the meatloaf before baking. This combination caramelizes and complements the meatloaf's moist interior. Visual cues in the original notes suggest a golden crust and juicy center are aims of the method.

Using half and half instead of milk helps keep the meatloaf moist due to its higher fat content. A meat thermometer is recommended to accurately check doneness, and the pan choice contributes to proper cooking and ease of removal.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 egg
  • 2/3 cup half and half see note 1
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2/3 cup breadcrumbs Italian style
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 pounds ground turkey 85% lean

Glaze for Topping:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and peppers for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Remove from heat once nice and soft. Let it cool.
  3. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Add the half and half, mustard, ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cheese, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
  4. Stir in the breadcrumbs, then add the cooled onions/peppers/garlic.
  5. Add the turkey and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or it will become tough.
  6. Add the turkey mixture to a lightly greased meatloaf pan.
  7. This part can be tricky but worthwhile: Use a silicone spatula and create space around the perimeter of the pan that’s about the width of your finger. Spread any excess turkey from the sides onto the top of the meatloaf. This creates airflow around the pan which results in a nice outer crust and a juicier loaf. (See process shots in post above for visual.)
  8. Combine the ketchup and BBQ Sauce and spread half of it over the meatloaf.
  9. Place the meatloaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow.
  10. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and top with remaining ketchup/BBQ sauce.
  11. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 155 degrees.
  12. Remove and let it rest in the loaf pan for 15 minutes prior to slicing in. It will increase an additional 8-10 degrees during this time.
  13. Serve with mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Notes

  • Half and half is preferred over milk for added moisture, but milk can be used if needed.
  • A meat thermometer is useful to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked without drying out.
  • Using a meatloaf pan that allows grease to drain helps create a better-textured crust.
  • A long chef's knife is helpful for slicing neat portions.
  • The pan shaping method promotes airflow and results in a juicier loaf with a crispy outer crust.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 323kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 20g (7%) Protein 34g (68%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 108mg (36%) Sodium 1009mg (42%) Potassium 516mg (11%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 700IU (14%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 157mg (16%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 323 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 323kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Protein 34g 68%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 108mg 36%
Sodium 1009mg 42%
Potassium 516mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 700IU 14%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 157mg 16%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

14 reviews
Excellent

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