When I think of meatloaf, I imagine a warm hug on a plate—it’s like the nostalgic embrace of a cozy kitchen after a long day. But let’s be honest, turkey meatloaf can sometimes be a gamble. Fear not, because this version, crowned with crispy bacon, defies all odds and takes you on a flavor journey that’s as comforting as binge-watching your favorite Netflix series on a rainy Sunday.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a petite loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated zucchini, chopped onion, diced red pepper, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, an egg, paprika, and salt to form a base mixture.
- Add ground turkey to the mixture and blend thoroughly until evenly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into five equal-sized loaves and place them into the prepared loaf pan.
- Place two halves of bacon over each loaf, then brush each with an additional 1/2 tablespoon of BBQ sauce.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meatloaves are fully cooked through.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup diced red pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, plus additional for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 5 slices of bacon, halved
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1295 kcal | Carbohydrates: 85 g | Protein: 125 g | Fat: 50 g | Saturated Fat: 17.5 g | Sodium: 4700 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 37.5 g
FAQ
- How can I ensure my turkey meatloaf stays moist?
- For a moist turkey meatloaf, incorporate shredded zucchini into the mixture. This adds moisture without altering the flavor. Opt for 93% lean turkey instead of 99% lean to prevent dryness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this meatloaf gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats.
- What can I use if I don’t have a petite loaf pan?
- If you don’t have a petite loaf pan, you can use a muffin tin or shape the mixture into mini loaves by hand and place them on a baking sheet.
- How long should I bake the meatloaf if I prefer a larger loaf?
- If you’re making a larger loaf, bake it in the oven for about an hour to ensure it cooks through properly.
- Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, though the recipe is particularly tasty with homemade BBQ sauce.
Tips
- To keep your turkey meatloaf moist, incorporate grated zucchini into the mixture. This adds moisture without altering the flavor and goes unnoticed by picky eaters.
- Opt for 93% lean turkey instead of 99% to ensure your meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful, as the latter can result in a drier texture.
- If you don’t have a petite loaf pan, consider using a muffin tin or shaping the mixture into mini loaves by hand and placing them on a baking sheet.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats to maintain texture while accommodating dietary needs.
Equipment
- Petite loaf pan
- Muffin tin (if not using the petite loaf pan)
