Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 35 mins
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Rest Time
15 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs
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Servings
8 people
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Calories
323 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, then add the cooled onions/peppers/garlic.
- Add the turkey and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or it will become tough.
- Add the turkey mixture to a lightly greased meatloaf pan.
- 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.)
- Combine the ketchup and BBQ Sauce and spread half of it over the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove and top with remaining ketchup/BBQ sauce.
- Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 155 degrees.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.