This Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is nutritious, flavorful, satisfying, and serves as an ideal weeknight meal. Additionally, the inclusion of spinach elevates this dish to new heights.
Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Meatloaf Florentine Recipe
While we all appreciate traditional meatloaf, can we embrace Turkey Meatloaf? I propose that this recipe is not only equally delicious but even more so than the classic beef version. It is exceptionally moist, genuinely healthy, and incredibly flavorful. The ketchup truly enhances the meatloaf's taste, providing an added nutritional benefit from the spinach! If your children can overlook the green hue, you are in luck, as the flavor remains undetectable. Provided you chop it finely, it will go unnoticed.
Main Ingredients Required
To prepare this Turkey Meatloaf Recipe, begin with ground turkey and incorporate additional ingredients such as:
Breadcrumbs – regular breadcrumbs can be used, and Italian breadcrumbs would also complement this recipe beautifully.
Egg – this ingredient helps bind the meat together. Consider meatloaf as a larger version of a meatball.
Ketchup – this ingredient contributes both flavor and texture.
Worcestershire Sauce – adds even more flavor and texture alongside the ketchup. You will absolutely enjoy this, I assure you.
Sauteed Spinach – entirely optional but undeniably delicious and nutritious. If you have some selective eaters at home (i.e., children who dislike greens), feel free to omit it and serve vegetables as a side dish instead.
Sauteed Onions – an excellent addition for flavor and texture.
Dried Thyme – a subtle flavor enhancement for your meatloaf.
Salt and Pepper – to be added according to your taste!
Do you love Meatloaf? Here are additional recipes to add to your collection: Simple Sunday Meatloaf Recipe, and Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf Recipe.
Turkey Meatloaf Variations
Heat things UP. Consider incorporating your preferred hot sauce into the mixture or into the ketchup that adorns the loaf.
Low-Carb. Many of my readers have requested a low-carb variant of this meatloaf, which means omitting breadcrumbs. For a straightforward substitution, replace the breadcrumbs with either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oatmeal. This also significantly increases the fiber content of the meal.
Juicy Turkey Meatloaf. To enhance the juiciness of this recipe, opt for a fattier turkey! While the recipe specifies 99% lean, you may choose 93% for added moisture.
Vegetables. You can effortlessly incorporate more than just spinach into this recipe. Consider shredding some zucchini, squeezing out the excess moisture, and mixing it into the turkey blend. However, exercise caution! Adding too many vegetables may transform your meatloaf into a veggie loaf.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
This turkey meatloaf recipe is ideal for families! Simply cut and serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a quick and delightful dinner. For complete recipe details, refer to the recipe card below.
Remove from the pan and finely chop the spinach mixture, then add it to a large bowl containing the turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan. I lined mine with parchment paper because I use it ALL.THE.TIME.
Top with the remaining ketchup and bake until a thermometer indicates an internal temperature of 165 degrees or higher.
Allow the turkey meatloaf to rest, then slice and serve.
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
To expedite this recipe and make it more visually appealing, divide the turkey mixture into four smaller loaf pans and bake for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a cupcake tin to create numerous small, adorable, and delicious meatloaves.
Leftovers
This turkey meatloaf recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is excellent for leftovers.
Freezing Turkey Meatloaf
The remarkable aspect of meatloaf is its adaptability! It can certainly be frozen and is perfect for meal preparation! To enhance the experience, consider making two. One for dinner and another to freeze for future use. This way, you will always have turkey meatloaf readily available.
To freeze, prepare the turkey meatloaf recipe as instructed. Allow it to cool and slice it, then place it in airtight containers in the freezer for a maximum of three months!
For reheating, thaw the meatloaf gradually. The best method is to do this in the refrigerator the night before. Then, microwave it in 30-second intervals until it is warm and delectable.
Turkey Meatloaf
Side Dishes for Turkey Meatloaf
Pair it with mashed potatoes and/or salad. Voila! That’s a complete dinner! For additional healthy side options, consider this Roasted Cauliflower Recipe or the Best Pan-Fried Potatoes. Essentially, vegetables and starch complement this meaty dish very well. Enjoy!
More Turkey Recipes!
Make sure to explore all of my turkey recipes here, but below are a few of my favorites.
Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe
Turkey Taco Meat Recipe
Baked Turkey Taquitos Recipe
The Best Turkey Burger Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Katie Cooksey
This Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is nutritious, flavorful, satisfying, and makes an ideal weeknight meal. Additionally, spinach elevates this dish to a higher level.
Notes
Leftovers. This turkey meatloaf recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is excellent for leftovers.
Freezing. Prepare the turkey meatloaf recipe as directed. Allow it to cool and slice it, then store in airtight containers in the freezer for a maximum of three months!
Reheating. Thaw the meatloaf gradually. The best method is to do this in the refrigerator the night before. Then, microwave it in 30-second intervals until it is warm and delectable.
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins. To expedite this recipe and make it more visually appealing, divide the turkey mixture into four smaller loaf pans and bake for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use your cupcake tin to create numerous small, adorable, and delicious meatloaves.
In a small skillet, saute onion in oil until tender; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, milk, lemon juice, salt, basil, oregano and pepper. Stir in the bread crumbs, spinach and reserved onion. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well.
Shape into a 12x5-in. loaf; place in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon salsa over top.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Drizzle with butter; bake 30-35 minutes longer or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 165°. Cool. Enjoy the Turkey Spinach Meat Loaf recipes !!!
Substituting ground turkey for ground beef is an excellent method to create a healthier meatloaf; however, ground turkey can be challenging as it tends to be dry and flavorless. The secret to a successful turkey meatloaf recipe lies in incorporating flavor and moisture without increasing fat content, which would undermine the objective of making it lighter. I enhance my turkey meatloaf with onions and garlic, and I also mix some of the sweet and tangy glaze directly into the meatloaf to ensure it is particularly flavorful and juicy.
A helpful tip for those preparing this dish for children: finely chop the onions, as most kids are not fond of discovering pieces of onions (or any other ingredients!) in their meal. Pair the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes for a comforting dining experience.
“My husband rated this a 10, and I enjoyed it as well! I appreciated that I could freeze one for another evening’s meal.”
Ingredients Required for Turkey Meatloaf
Ketchup, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar & Dijon mustard – These ingredients constitute the glaze: ketchup provides the classic tomato taste, brown sugar contributes sweetness, vinegar introduces brightness, and Dijon imparts a tangy flavor.
Olive oil, yellow onion & garlic – These form the aromatic and flavorful foundation of the meatloaf.
Paprika, dried thyme & Worcestershire sauce – These spices add warmth, smokiness, and umami, enhancing the turkey's flavor.
Eggs & Italian seasoned breadcrumbs – These ingredients bind the meatloaf and maintain its moisture and tenderness while providing the necessary structure.
Ground turkey (93/7) – This is lean but not excessively so; a 93/7 ratio yields a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Fresh parsley – This adds a splash of color and a fresh finish.
What You Will Require to Prepare Caesar Salad Dressing
Rather than using whole anchovies, I opt for anchovy paste — it simplifies the process, particularly if you have reservations about anchovies (just pinch your nose and incorporate it; the dressing requires every single bit to achieve the authentic flavor!)
For the cheese, it is crucial to utilize imported Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy; domestic Parmesan is significantly inferior. You can easily identify its authenticity by examining the rind, which is repeatedly embossed with the name. If the cheese is pre-grated, it should be marked as "Parmigiano-Reggiano," not "Parmesan."
Step-by-Step Directions
Commence by whisking together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Subsequently, incorporate the mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper by whisking.
The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately one week. For a main course Caesar, consider pairing this with my finest grilled chicken. Enjoy!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, stir together the oats and milk. Thinly slice 1/4 of the onion and set aside. Finely chop the remaining onion. In a large bowl combine the turkey, oat mixture, chopped onion, bell pepper, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix just until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and shape into a loaf about 5 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches high. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the sliced onions. Bake for about 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees.F.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 to15 minutes before slicing.Enjoy it!
1 1/4 pounds ground turkey, mix of white and dark meat
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
1/2 cup grated sweet apple
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
For the apple-balsamic glaze:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple butter
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Coat an 8x4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, zucchini, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer to drain off the excess liquid and let cool for 5 minutes.
Place the ground turkey, sweet potato, egg, vegetable mixture, grated apple, mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix with your hands until thoroughly combined, but do not overmix or the meatloaf will be tough. Transfer to the loaf pan and pat into an even layer.
Place all the ingredients for balsamic apple glaze in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer half to a serving bowl and set aside. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the remaining glaze.
Bake until cooked through and the internal temperature of the meatloaf is 165°F, 50 to 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving so that the juices reabsorb into the meatloaf. Slice, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with the reserved glaze. Cool. Enjoy the Easy Juicy Turkey-Veggie Meatloaf recipes !!!
* 1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 medium carrot, cut into 1/8-inch dice
* 3/4 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and very finely chopped in a food processor
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs (from 2 slices firm white sandwich bread)
* 1/3 cup 1% milk
* 1 whole large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
* 1 1/4 pound ground turkey (mix of dark and light meat)
* Accompaniment:roasted red pepper tomato sauce or ketchup
* Special equipment: a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer
TURKEY MEATLOAF INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook onion and garlic in oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until onion is softened, about 2 minutes. Add carrot and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid mushrooms give off is evaporated and they are very tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and 3 tablespoons ketchup, then transfer vegetables to a large bowl and cool.
Stir together bread crumbs and milk in a small bowl and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in egg and egg white, then add to vegetables. Add turkey and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to vegetable mixture and mix well with your hands. (Mixture will be very moist.)
Form into a 9- by 5-inch oval loaf in a lightly oiled 13- by 9- by 2-inch metal baking pan and brush meatloaf evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup. Bake in middle of oven until thermometer inserted into meatloaf registers 170°F, 50 to 55 minutes.
Let meatloaf stand 5 minutes before serving. The healthy turkey meatloaf is ready to serve...! Enjoy it !
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine meat, eggs and barbecue sauce to your liking. Mix well. It's easiest to do with your very own hands! Add other ingredients, some like less some may like more!
Slowly add bread crumbs to thicken the loaf.
Be careful - adding too much will mean you'll need to add more egg and barbecue sauce.
Bake until thoroughly cooked usually about 45 minutes at 350°F. But keep an eye on it as it is extra lean so it cooks faster and will dry up. Makes great sandwiches the next day on a French roll with extra barbecue. Enjoy !
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix together all ingredients except for 1/2 jar of marinara sauce. Place in a large cast iron skillet or 2 loaf pans and cook at 350°F for 45 minutes then spread remaining marinara sauce on top and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy !
INSTRUCTIONS
In bowl combine all ingredients. Squish with hands until blended. Press into bread loaf pan. Bake in oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until top is nice and brown.
Pickle and Cheese variation: Press 2/3 of mixture into pan. Using your fingers or a spoon, form a tunnel in the center. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped sweet or dill pickles into the tunnel.
Top with the remaining mixture and bake as directed above. This variation is super yummy, we like the sweet pickles best! Enjoy !