Ah, turkey meatloaf—a dish that’s often misunderstood but, oh, when done right, it’s a revelation! Picture this: tender, succulent slices that somehow manage to be both hearty and delicate, with flavors that dance around like autumn leaves in a gentle breeze. I stumbled upon this recipe last Thanksgiving, right after a heated discussion about whether pumpkin spice had overstayed its welcome—spoiler alert, it hasn’t—and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of ketchup with some Worcestershire sauce.
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over low heat and cook the onion until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked onion, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of ketchup, salt, and marjoram, and mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Spread the prepared ketchup sauce on top of the loaf.
- Bake the meatloaf uncovered in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 99% lean)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1036 kcal | Carbohydrates: 56 g | Protein: 148 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 416 mg | Sodium: 1560 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 24 g
FAQ
- What is the ideal cooking temperature for turkey meatloaf?
- Turkey meatloaf should ideally be baked at 350°F in a conventional oven, although you can increase the temperature to 400°F for quicker cooking. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which can be measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Can I freeze turkey meatloaf, and if so, how?
- Yes, turkey meatloaf freezes well. After cooking, let the loaf cool down, then slice it and store the pieces in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- How can I make turkey meatloaf juicier?
- To achieve a juicier turkey meatloaf, consider using ground turkey that is 93% lean. Additionally, avoid overworking the meat mixture as this can lead to a denser texture.
- How can I make turkey meatloaf low-carb?
- To make a low-carb turkey meatloaf, substitute the breadcrumbs with an equal amount of almond meal. This will reduce the carbohydrate content while maintaining the texture of the meatloaf.
- Are there any variations to add more flavor to turkey meatloaf?
- Yes, you can add more flavor by incorporating chipotle or sriracha into the ketchup for a spicy kick. Alternatively, replace the ketchup glaze with BBQ sauce to give the meatloaf a smoky flavor.
Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, gently mix until just incorporated. Overworking the meat can lead to a dense texture, similar to meatballs.
- Speed Up Cooking: For a quicker meal, shape the meatloaf into four smaller loaves or use cupcake tins. This allows for a faster cooking time of about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a bit of spice to your meatloaf by mixing chipotle or sriracha into the ketchup, or swap out the ketchup glaze for BBQ sauce to give it a smoky twist.
- Meal Prep Option: Double the recipe to make two meatloaves. Enjoy one now, and freeze the other for a convenient meal later. Simply slice the cooled loaf and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Equipment
- Non-stick Small Skillet (e.g., Le Creuset non-stick pan)
- Loaf Pan (e.g., Le Creuset loaf pan)
- Instant-read Thermometer (to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf)
