Sometimes it happens that something is beneficial for our health but we don’t like to eat or drink those things due to various acceptable reasons. Meat is beneficial for our health but some people are allergic to meat and some don’t like it. To overcome these problems I have a solution if we serve some recipes in a tastier way, it can be helpful to get a healthier diet with awesome taste as well. The recipe we will discuss here is called Turkey Meatloaf.
Benefits of Turkey Meatloaf
First of all, I will tell you about the Health Benefits of Meatloaf which are obviously incredible:
Turkey meatloaf is a healthier alternative to beef meatloaf. Turkey is a lean protein that is low in fat and calories. It is also a great source of nutrients such as niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium. By using turkey instead of beef, you can reduce your overall calorie intake and still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Another benefit is its cost benefit. Turkey is generally cheaper than beef, which makes it an economical choice for families on a budget. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Tips for Making Perfect Turkey Meatloaf
Before going into the deep discussion of making this recipe, I will present some useful tips for you which will be helpful for you in the future:
Choose Right Ground Turkey:
When making turkey meatloaf, it's essential to choose the right ground turkey. Look for ground turkey that is labeled as lean or extra lean. This will ensure that your meatloaf is not too fatty or greasy.
Use Flavorful Ingredients:
Since turkey is a lean protein, it can be bland on its own. To add flavor to your meatloaf, use flavorful ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Add Moisture to the Meatloaf:
Since turkey is lean, it can also be dry. To prevent your meatloaf from being too dry, add moisture to the meatloaf by adding ingredients such as eggs, breadcrumbs, or vegetables.
Don't Over mix the Meatloaf:
When mixing the ingredients for your meatloaf, be careful not to over-mix the ingredients. Over-mixing can result in tough and dense meatloaf.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf:
I am suggesting some regular ingredients which are used to make this recipe more creatively:
- Ground turkey.
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs, beaten
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ketchup
You need to strictly follow the below steps in order to have a tasty and healthy meatloaf.
- Heat up your oven to 375°F.
- Combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x5 inch loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread the ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf
Let me explain some creative ideas about serving the Turkey Meatloaf. Just have a look at the simple ideas below:
- You can Slice the meatloaf and serve it on a plate with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn.
- For more attractive look, make a sandwich with the meatloaf by slicing it and placing it between two slices of bread with some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
- Another way to serve the meatloaf is, dice the meatloaf and add it to a salad for a healthy and flavorful meal.
- If you some variation with this dish, add some gravy to the meatloaf and serve it with rice or noodles for a comforting and filling meal.
- If you have some leftover meatloaf, heat up meatloaf and serve it on a toasted bun with some cheese and barbecue sauce for a tasty sandwich
Conclusion
Turkey meatloaf is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish. It's a great source of protein, low in fat and calories, and can be made on a budget. By following these tips and using our delicious recipe, you can make the perfect turkey meatloaf that your family will love.
![](https://porecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Turkey-Meatloaf-Recipe--300x298.jpg)
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ 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 teaspoons pepper
- ⅔ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 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
- Milk can be used instead of half and half of needed, but the extra fat content from the half and half helps keep the turkey moist.
- Love Meatloaf Recipes? Try my Mini Meatloaf Recipe next!
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