Seriously Good Goodforyou Turkey Meatloaf
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort Food?
Fancy some proper comfort food without the guilt? Do you want to make Healthy Turkey meals for all to enjoy.
Oh my gosh, then get ready for this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf recipe! Honestly, it is going to knock your socks off.
This is not your average dry meatloaf. I have made meatloaf before, but this, it is special.
Meatloaf: More Than Just a Meal
Meatloaf might seem like an old-fashioned dish, right? But it is a classic for a reason, especially when it comes to Turkey Dishes .
This version uses lean ground turkey and hidden veggies, making it a healthy comfort food recipes that's both delicious and nutritious.
It is so easy to make and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish and serves six to eight hungry people.
Why This Meatloaf is a Winner
This recipe is all about that feel good factor. Packed with lean protein and sneaky veggies, it is the perfect way to get a nutritious meal on the table.
Serve it up on a Sunday evening, and watch everyone's faces light up. What makes this recipe special? It is the combination of classic flavours, moist turkey meatloaf , and a healthy twist.
Also, the fact that uses lean turkey meatloaf recipe means that you can enjoy it without the usual guilt.
Time to gather your ingredients, this is going to be the Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe ever!
Ingredients & Equipment for a Seriously Good & Good For-You Turkey Meatloaf
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf . It's not rocket science, I promise! I tried my hand at this Lean turkey meatloaf recipe last week, and honestly? It was a revelation.
My family devoured it, and they're usually a tough crowd when it comes to Healthy Turkey stuff. This Easy turkey meatloaf is a winner.
Main Ingredients for Your Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
Here's the breakdown. Don't worry, I've got you covered with both US and metric measurements.
- Ground Turkey: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of ground turkey. Aim for 93% lean. Trust me, it makes a difference. Nobody wants a greasy Turkey Dishes .
- Onion: Grab 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. That's about 1 cup or 150g.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of minced garlic, roughly 2 teaspoons or 10g.
- Carrot: 1 medium carrot, finely grated (around ½ cup or 75g). Sneaking in those veggies!
- Rolled Oats: ½ cup (40g) of rolled oats. Not the instant stuff, okay?
- Parsley: ¼ cup (30g) of fresh, finely chopped parsley.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- Chicken Broth: ¼ cup (60ml) of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Don't skip this, it's a flavour bomb!
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Seasoning Secrets
Now, let's chat about those magical touches that elevate this meatloaf.
- The Worcestershire Wonder: Seriously, this stuff adds depth and umami. It is essential in the Best turkey meatloaf recipe .
- Thyme Time: Dried thyme is classic, but you can use Italian seasoning too. It'll give it a totally different vibe.
- Spice It Up: Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Boom!
Essential Equipment for Your Turkey Meatloaf with Vegetables
You really don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this low-fat turkey meatloaf .
- Mixing Bowl: A big one!
- Loaf Pan: A 9x5 inch loaf pan is perfect.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping.
- Grater: For the carrot.
- Meat Thermometer: Absolutely essential! Cook to 165° F ( 74° C) . No guessing allowed!
- Small Saucepan: Optional, but handy if you want to pre-cook the onions.
Honestly, this Ground turkey recipes healthy and the whole process is pretty straightforward. I find moist turkey meatloaf so appealing .
Once you've got all your bits and bobs, you're ready to go.
Seriously Good & Good For-You Turkey Meatloaf
This isn't your nan's dry meatloaf, trust me. This recipe transforms lean ground turkey into a moist and surprisingly healthy family fave.
It's classic meatloaf flavors boosted with hidden veggies for extra nutrients. Based loosely on Allrecipes' Healthy Turkey Meatloaf, this version simplifies the method for a guaranteed winner.
So, ready to ditch the dryness? Let's get cooking!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Alright, first things first. Grab 1.5 lbs ground turkey , an onion, garlic, a carrot the usual suspects.
This is your essential mise en place. Chop that onion, mince the garlic, and grate the carrot like your life depends on it.
Honestly, getting everything prepped saves so much time. As for safety, wash your hands, yeah? You know the drill.
step-by-step to Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf Glory
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Give your loaf pan a light grease.
- Optional, but recommended: Sauté that chopped onion and garlic. Soften them in a little olive oil. Let them cool a tad. Trust me, this adds depth.
- Combine the turkey , softened onions, grated carrot, oats, parsley, eggs, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently! Overmixing is the enemy of a moist meatloaf.
- Shove the mixture into your loaf pan. Press it down evenly.
- Whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
- Slather half the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45 minutes .
- Give it another glaze slather.
- Bake for another 10- 20 minutes , until it hits an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Crucial for juiciness.
Pro Tips for Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Don't overmix. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. Use a meat thermometer. It's not cheating. Also, let that meatloaf rest after baking.
Resist the urge to dive in. I know it's hard. This is the secret to a moist and healthy turkey meatloaf recipe! Want to get ahead? You can prep the meat mixture earlier in the day.
Store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Honestly, folks are always looking for healthy comfort food recipes , and this really hits the spot. Enjoy your easy turkey meatloaf , you deserve it!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
Right, so you're about to embark on your Turkey Dishes adventure. Here are a few things I've learned along the way with this seriously good recipe.
Honestly, it's all about tweaking things to make it your own, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look the Business!
Presentation is key, even for something as comforting as meatloaf. Think about it: you eat with your eyes first. Plating this Easy Turkey Meatloaf is simpler than you might think.
Slice it nice and thick. Fan the slices on the plate, and add a sprig of parsley for a pop of colour.
I reckon it goes brilliantly with creamy mashed sweet potatoes or some steamed green beans. Or, for a proper comforting vibe, some buttery mash and gravy never goes amiss.
A glass of light bodied red wine or even some chilled apple cider would be perfect alongside. You know? Simple pleasures.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Meatloaf Fresh
Right, so leftovers if there are any are ace for lunch the next day. Store the meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will keep for 3-4 days , no worries. To reheat, slice and microwave it for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Make sure it's piping hot!
Fancy planning ahead? You can freeze the Moist Turkey Meatloaf , cooked or uncooked! Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil.
It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Defrost it completely in the fridge before reheating or baking.
The uncooked meatloaf may be also your great make-ahead Ground turkey recipes healthy . This can be a great Healthy comfort food recipes .
Variations: Making it Your Own
One time, I tried making this recipe with leftover roasted vegetables carrots, parsnips, you name it. Finely diced, they added so much moisture and flavour. Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment.
- Dietary Tweaks: Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap the rolled oats for gluten-free oats or almond flour. Sorted.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, try adding some chopped apples and a pinch of cinnamon to the meatloaf mixture. Trust me, it's a game changer. A very autumnal Turkey Dishes !
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Let's be real, this is Healthy Turkey at its finest. This Lean turkey meatloaf recipe has loads of protein and fewer calories than your typical beef meatloaf.
We are talking about low-fat turkey meatloaf . Plus, all those hidden veggies add a boost of vitamins and fiber.
Each serving clocks in around 250-300 calories, with a good whack of protein and a reasonable amount of fat. Of course, it depends on the ingredients you use.
Opt for no-sugar added ketchup to keep the sugar content down. Overall, pretty good for you and a great Healthy comfort food recipes .
The Best turkey meatloaf recipe !
Honestly, this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf is a winner. Don't be intimidated. Have a go, and don't worry if it's not perfect the first time.
Cooking is all about learning and having a laugh. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my Turkey Meatloaf is actually moist and not dry like the Sahara?
Nobody wants a dry meatloaf! The key to a Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf is to avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the oats (or breadcrumbs if you're using those), leading to a tougher, drier texture.
Also, don't skip the resting period after baking; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
I'm a bit of a novice cook. What's the easiest way to tell when my Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf is fully cooked?
No worries, we all start somewhere! The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meatloaf, and it should read 165°F (74°C). Remember, ovens can vary, so don't rely solely on the baking time.
It's much better than playing roulette with your meatloaf!
Can I freeze this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option for meal prep! Let the meatloaf cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Are there any sneaky ways to add even more veggies to this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf recipe? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you see.
You're singing our tune! Finely grated zucchini or bell peppers are great additions that won't drastically alter the texture or flavor. You can also add finely chopped spinach. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini or spinach before adding it to the meatloaf mixture.
It’s like hiding veggies from your kids, but in a good way!
My family isn't always keen on turkey. Can I substitute another ground meat in this Moist & Healthy Turkey Meatloaf recipe?
Of course! While turkey keeps it lean, you can easily substitute lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) or even ground chicken. Keep in mind that ground beef might need a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on that internal temperature. It will still be a winner whatever meat you pick!
Seriously Good Goodforyou Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8-12g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |