Turkey Meatloaf is a unique way to make a traditional comfort food using ground turkey instead of beef. The easiest and best turkey meatloaf recipe is made by simply replacing the beef with ground turkey. But there are many other ways to turn this recipe into the best meatloaf you have ever had. You can add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, chopped onion, or whatever else you like.
The good thing about meatloaf is that it is so versatile you can virtually put anything you want in it, and it will still taste delicious. Just like a regular meatloaf, a traditional recipe for turkey meatloaf has eggs, bread crumbs, milk, and seasonings. I like to add some ketchup and Dijon mustard to mine. Then, ketchup and barbecue sauce mixed with brown sugar is the perfect recipe for sauce.
The first meatloaf recipe
The first meatloaf recipe in the United States was recorded in 1870. The recipe was made with minced meat, whatever you had on hand, mixed with milk-soaked bread, egg, onion, salt, and pepper. According to historians, it was a way for families to stretch their food budget during the Great Depression. Some recipes call for leftovers of whatever you happen to have including vegetables and BBQ sauce with some kind of binding agent like cereal, rolled oats, crackers, or bread.
Ground turkey meatloaf varieties
Turkey meatloaf recipes vary just like regular, making the turkey mixture with a blend of whatever you have on hand and whatever your family likes. If you are a meatloaf fan, you probably have all sorts of ways to make it and there is no such thing as bad meatloaf. You can add parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, or an onion mixture with garlic and onion powder.
Extra flavors turkey meatloaf
For even more flavor, saute onions and garlic in olive oil before adding it to your large bowl of turkey and other ingredients. You can even make your own ground turkey using a food processor. It is easy, fast, and gives you the absolute freshest meat. One recipe calls for adding brown gravy and cream of mushroom soup. Meatloaf lovers know that you can turn a basic original recipe into a wonderful recipe by just adding something unique.
What to serve with turkey meatloaf
- If you think this sounds delish, you will love having a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes on the side.
- You can also try a new turkey meatloaf recipe tonight using almond flour instead of bread crumbs or crackers.
- Instead of using barbecue sauce or ketchup, try using cranberry sauce on top. Turkey is great with cranberry sauce.
- My family says they love this recipe when I add cheese to the mixture. One cup of mozzarella for one meatloaf is perfect.
- If you are worried about nutrition, calories, and fat, this is a better meatloaf recipe. Let me know in the comments section what you think.
Frequently asked questions
Is turkey meatloaf healthier than ground beef meatloaf?
Yes, using lean ground turkey can cut the saturated fat and calories by a lot. It also has less cholesterol and sodium than beef and is easier to digest. However, beef has more protein, vitamin B, zinc, and iron. In fact, for a great meatloaf that has the lowest calories and saturated fat, use fat-free turkey. But it may be drier than regular meatloaf.
Do I have to use a meat loaf pan?
Although using a meatloaf pan makes it easier to keep the loaf shape, you can certainly use any kind of baking dish. You can even just use a parchment-lined baking sheet. Parchment paper will keep it from sticking. This is important when using turkey. It will not change the taste of the dish. It will still be full of flavor. However, a good meatloaf starts with a good recipe no matter what you cook it in.
Should I preheat the oven?
Yes, if you are going to make turkey meatloaf for dinner tonight, you need to preheat oven to 350 degrees F. This is important in cooking a turkey meatloaf especially because cooking it for too long can dry it out since it does not have as much excess fat as ground beef. It is also important for food safety, so your meat does not stay warm for too long. It needs to go from cold to hot in the shortest time period.
Tips and Tricks
- Always remember to let your meatloaf rest before slicing it. Give the juices about 10 or 15 minutes to soak back into the meat.
- Cooking time may vary depending on how large your meatloaf is and how hot your oven is. Some ovens run at a different temperature than others. You can check yours with an oven thermometer.
- This main course cuisine is perfect for the entire family, or you can make mini meatloaves and freeze any leftovers if you have a smaller bunch.
- For extra moist turkey meatloaf add a teaspoon of olive oil to your mixture.
- When you reheat turkey meatloaf, wrap it in aluminum foil and heat it at 400 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how much you are reheating. Using the microwave can dry out your turkey.
- You can also make this ahead of time and freeze it. Just wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and put it in a freezer bag and it will be good for three months.
- The internal temperature of your turkey meatloaf must be 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
