Ground Turkey Meatloaf With Stuffing Recipe

Meatloaf is one of the ultimate comfort foods, beloved for its ability to be hearty, filling, and easily adaptable. Traditionally made with beef, this Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing offers a lighter alternative, while still delivering on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. The addition of stuffing elevates this dish, providing both moisture and a savory boost to the ground turkey. Paired with a homemade glaze and baked to perfection, this meatloaf is bound to become a new family favorite.

History of Meatloaf: From Humble Beginnings to Comfort Food Classic

Meatloaf is a quintessential American dish, though its origins stretch beyond the United States. Similar dishes can be found in cultures around the world, each with its own variations and preparation techniques. The concept of ground or minced meat formed into a loaf shape dates back to ancient civilizations, where early recipes used lamb or beef.

However, modern meatloaf as we know it started to gain popularity in the United States in the 19th century, especially with the rise of industrialization and the availability of ground meats. During the Great Depression, meatloaf became a practical dish for families because it stretched smaller amounts of meat into a filling meal, often mixed with breadcrumbs, oats, or rice to bulk it up.

The meatloaf that most people recognize today became widespread in the mid-20th century. It’s not just an American dish, though—many countries have their own versions of a similar ground meat loaf. The addition of stuffing to the meatloaf adds a unique twist, combining two popular comfort foods into one.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing

Here’s how you can make this Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the meatloaf.

2. Prepare the Loaf Pan – Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once done, set the skillet aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed onions and garlic.

2. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can result in a dense meatloaf.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

1. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Smooth the top with a spatula to create a flat, uniform surface.

2. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the meatloaf is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl.

2. After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a basting brush.

Step 6: Finish Baking

1. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

2. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to slice.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the meatloaf into thick, even slices and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing

1. Moisture Matters: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, so it can sometimes dry out during cooking. The addition of the stuffing mix, eggs, and milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful. Don’t skip these ingredients!

2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the meatloaf is cooked properly, always use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for the turkey to be fully cooked.

3. Resting Time: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking is important. It makes it easier to slice, and the juices will redistribute, keeping each slice tender.

4. Sautéing Onions and Garlic: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture helps to mellow their flavors and prevents any raw taste in the final dish.

5. Customization: Feel free to get creative with the stuffing mix. You can add dried cranberries, chopped apples, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

A. Healthier Version:

• Use lean ground turkey breast instead of a mix of dark and light meat for an even leaner meatloaf.
• Replace the breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
• Use a low-sodium stuffing mix to reduce the overall sodium content.

B. Gluten-Free Version:

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free stuffing mix if you have dietary restrictions.

C. Spicy Meatloaf:

• Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

D. Vegetarian Version:

• Try substituting the ground turkey with lentils or vegetarian meat substitutes like soy or chickpea-based products.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing recipe is a fantastic twist on a classic comfort food. The lean turkey provides a healthier alternative to beef, while the stuffing keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful. The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish, making each bite a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is sure to impress. The versatility of the recipe means you can customize it to your liking, whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a spicy kick, or a completely vegetarian dish.

Take the time to enjoy this process and savor every bite of this delicious, hearty, and comforting dish. Happy cooking!

Yield: 6-8

Ground Turkey Meatloaf With Stuffing Recipe

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Meatloaf is one of the ultimate comfort foods, beloved for its ability to be hearty, filling, and easily adaptable. Traditionally made with beef, this Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Stuffing offers a lighter alternative, while still delivering on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. The addition of stuffing elevates this dish, providing both moisture and a savory boost to the ground turkey. Paired with a homemade glaze and baked to perfection, this meatloaf is bound to become a new family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (such as Stove Top or homemade stuffing mix)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the stuffing:In a medium bowl, prepare the stuffing mix according to package instructions, using the milk. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mix the meatloaf:In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared stuffing, egg, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Form the meatloaf:Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form, pressing it gently to make sure it's even on all sides.
5. Add the topping:Spread a thin layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf, if desired. This adds moisture and a nice flavor.
6. Bake the meatloaf:Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the center.
7. Rest the meatloaf:Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to slice.
8. Serve:Slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad.

Notes

• Moisture: Ground turkey can sometimes be a bit dry, so using the stuffing and the milk really helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Stuffing variations: If you prefer, you can use homemade stuffing or another type of stuffing mix to change the flavor profile.
• Flavor additions: You can add other seasonings like sage, rosemary, or onion powder to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Vegetables: Finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery can be added for extra flavor and texture.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking straight from the fridge.