Description
Savory turkey meatloaf delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Packed with herbs, lean protein, and simple ingredients, this hearty dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds ground turkey, 85% lean
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup half and half
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅔ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter
Glaze for Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325 degrees F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- Skillfully sauté diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic in melted butter until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Allow the sautéed vegetables to cool completely, preventing them from prematurely cooking the eggs and disrupting the meatloaf’s delicate texture.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and half and half to create a smooth, binding liquid base for the meatloaf.
- Incorporate an array of condiments, carefully selected seasonings, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese into the egg mixture, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Gently fold the cooled sautéed vegetables into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking the ingredients.
- Tenderly incorporate the ground turkey, mixing just until combined to maintain a light, tender consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking pan, artfully shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle edges to promote optimal air circulation.
- Generously brush half of the tangy BBQ-ketchup glaze over the meatloaf’s surface, creating a glossy, flavorful exterior.
- Carefully place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through.
- Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, returning it to the oven for an additional 35-40 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for several minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, delectable result.
- Slice and serve the meatloaf, revealing its succulent interior and glazed exterior.
Notes
- Sautéing vegetables beforehand releases deeper flavors and softens their texture, preventing raw crunchiness in the meatloaf.
- Gentle mixing prevents dense, tough meat by keeping turkey proteins relaxed and tender during cooking.
- Creating a perimeter around the loaf allows hot air circulation, ensuring even cooking and preventing soggy bottom edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg