Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf

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Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf, combining lean ground turkey with the comforting flavors of stuffing. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or even as a festive dish for the holidays. The stuffing adds a nice texture and extra seasoning to the turkey, making it juicy and flavorful.

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground turkey

1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (any flavor)

1/2 cup chicken broth or water

1 egg

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup cranberry sauce (optional, for topping)

1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

Set the oven’s temperature to 175°C/350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it.

Prepare the stuffing mix by combining it with the water or chicken stock in a medium-sized bowl. Stir the stuffing until the liquid is absorbed and it becomes wet. Allow it to cool a little.

Combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, egg, chopped onion, chopped celery, thyme, sage, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to make the meatloaf mixture. Stir well to include all of the ingredients.

Form the meatloaf by transferring the mixture and uniformly pushing it down into the loaf pan that has been prepared.

Spread ketchup, barbecue sauce, or cranberry sauce on top of the meatloaf as an optional topping.

Bake the meatloaf for 50–60 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), in a preheated oven.

Rest and serve: Before slicing, let the meatloaf sit for five to ten minutes. Serve it with your preferred side dishes, gravy, or mashed potatoes.

Savour your turkey and stuffing meatloaf—it’s the ideal dish for a cosy evening!

Tips for Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf:

Moisture Check: Ground turkey can sometimes be dry, so be sure to add moisture. The stuffing helps, but a bit of chicken broth or a tablespoon of olive oil can keep it juicy.

Seasoning: Don’t forget to season well. Even though the stuffing adds flavor, turkey is quite mild, so make sure to season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you enjoy (like thyme or rosemary).

Shape and Cook Evenly: If you’re using a loaf pan, make sure it’s not packed too tightly to ensure it cooks evenly. Alternatively, form the meatloaf on a baking sheet for better air circulation.

Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.

Variations:

Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, mix in finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or carrots into the meat mixture.

Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella for added richness.

Glaze Options: Top the meatloaf with a glaze, such as a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar, or try a tangy BBQ sauce for a different twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

Calories: 250-300

Protein: 26g

Fat: 10-12g

Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Fiber: 2-3g

Sodium: 400-500mg

Sugar: 5-8g