BASIC TURKEY MEATLOAF

BASIC TURKEY MEATLOAF

🦃 Basic Turkey Meatloaf
A simple, classic, and juicy meatloaf made with lean ground turkey — easy to prepare and full of home-cooked flavor!

This recipe keeps things straightforward with a few pantry ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs

• ½ cup milk (or chicken broth for extra flavor)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds rich flavor)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

🍅 For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp yellow mustard or apple cider vinegar

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

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2. Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley.

2. Stir in breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic until well combined.

3. Add ground turkey and mix gently with your hands until evenly blended.

   ⚠️ Don’t overmix — it can make the meatloaf dense and dry.

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3. Shape the Meatloaf

• Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.

• Smooth the top with a spatula.

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4. Add Glaze

• Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.

• Spread half of the glaze over the top before baking.

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5. Bake

• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush with the remaining glaze.

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6. Rest and Serve

• Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

• Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables.

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🌟 Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatloaf

• 🧅 Grate or finely mince onions for even texture.

• 💧 Add a splash of milk or broth if the mixture feels too firm.

• 🍗 For extra flavor, mix in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or 1 tsp smoked paprika.

• ❄️ Freezer-friendly: wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

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🍽️ Quick Summary

Step	Action	Tip
1	Preheat oven	375°F / 190°C
2	Mix turkey & seasonings	Don’t overmix
3	Shape loaf	Use loaf pan for uniform shape
4	Add glaze	Sweet, tangy flavor boost
5	Bake	Until 165°F internal
6	Rest before slicing	Keeps juices inside

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OTHER INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/3 c. chopped onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. dry mustard

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix and place loaf in a greased baking dish for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

VIDEO:

EASY TURKEY MEATLOAF

Easy Turkey Meatloaf

🦃 Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
A lighter, healthier take on a comfort food classic — moist, flavorful, and simple to make!

This easy turkey meatloaf uses lean ground turkey, herbs, and a tangy glaze to create a juicy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6)

🦃 For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey (93% lean works best)

• 1 egg

• ¾ cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-style)

• ½ cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp oregano)

🍅 For the Glaze:

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard (optional – for tangy flavor)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

• Line a loaf pan (9x5-inch) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

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2. Mix the Meatloaf

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasonings.

2. Add the breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic. Stir until moistened.

3. Gently fold in the ground turkey — mix just until combined.

   ⚠️ Do not overmix — this can make the meatloaf dense or dry.

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3. Shape and Glaze

• Press the turkey mixture evenly into the loaf pan.

• In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

• Spread half of the glaze over the top of the loaf.

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4. Bake

• Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.

• Continue baking 10–15 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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5. Rest and Serve

• Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

• Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

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🌟 Tips for the Best Turkey Meatloaf

• 🧅 Finely mince onions so they blend smoothly into the loaf.

• 💧 Add milk or a few tablespoons of broth if the mixture feels too dry.

• 🍗 Leftovers taste even better the next day — great for sandwiches!

• ❄️ Freezer-friendly: wrap cooked slices in foil and freeze up to 3 months.

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🍽️ Quick Summary

Step	Action	Tip
1	Preheat oven	375°F / 190°C
2	Mix ingredients	Don’t overmix
3	Shape and glaze	Add half glaze first
4	Bake	55–60 minutes total
5	Rest before slicing	Keeps meatloaf juicy

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OTHER INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 c. ketchup
• 1 sm. onion, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes
• 1 1/2-2 c. oatmeal
• 1/2 c. milk

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients, except oatmeal and milk, together in a large bowl. Then stir in oatmeal until desired consistency (using your hands is easier to mix). Place the mixture in a 2 quart baking dish. Shape with your hands to make an oval, not allowing the loaf to touch the sides. Pour the milk over the meatloaf mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or lid. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Makes 6-8 servings.

VIDEO:

Turkey Spinach Meat Loaf

 Turkey Spinach Meat Loaf

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.

Preheat the oven.

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until they begin to soften. Incorporate the spinach and cover to allow it to wilt.

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.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablepoon canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs (about 5 slices)
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

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 !!!

 Turkey Spinach Meat Loaf Video :

Mom's HealthyTurkey Meatloaf

Mom's Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

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!
• Fork on a plate with a Caesar salad.

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• Spoons in a bowl of Italian salad.
• Large Italian Salad

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 medium onion, peeled
• 2 pounds ground turkey breast
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

Directions

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!

Easy Juicy Turkey-Veggie Meatloaf

 Easy Juicy Turkey-Veggie Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS

For the meatloaf:

• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup diced yellow or sweet onion
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup peeled and grated carrot
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 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 !!!

Easy Juicy Turkey-Veggie Meatloaf Video :

HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF

HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF

Try this nice healthy Turkey meatloaf..!

TURKEY MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS

* 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 !

HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF VIDEO:

EXTRA LEAN TURKEY MEATLOAF

EXTRA LEAN TURKEY MEATLOAF

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2 packages extra lean ground turkey
• 2 eggs
• packaged bread crumbs
• barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1/2 cup mushroom

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 !