Is it just me, or does meatloaf often get a bad reputation? While I wouldn’t claim it to be the most glamorous dish out there, it certainly deserves more appreciation than it gets. Think of it as the Rodney Dangerfield of main courses—“I don’t get no respect.”
But let’s give it another shot. This turkey meatloaf is not only incredibly tasty but also lighter than you might think, thanks to the ground turkey. It perfectly fits the definition of comfort food and is quite substantial, ensuring you’ll likely have leftovers if you’re serving a family of four or five. And let’s be honest: leftover meatloaf can be a delight. Many people relish the idea of a meatloaf sandwich.
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad, and you’re sure to feel that warm sense of comfort.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅔ cup minced shallots (approximately 3 large shallots)
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions, both white and green parts
- 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (preferably whole)
- 2 ½ pounds ground turkey
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup chili sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet or large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the shallots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender, avoiding browning them.
- Introduce the garlic and scallions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the salt, pepper, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and mustard, then allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Next, add the ground turkey, Panko, cooled shallot mixture, Parmesan, and parsley. Combine thoroughly (using your hands works best!) and shape into a rectangular loaf on the prepared baking pan, ensuring ample space around the meatloaf. Blend the ketchup and chili sauce and evenly spread it over the top and sides of the loaf.
- Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until fully cooked; the internal temperature should reach 160°F. Serve warm (let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing) or at room temperature.
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Summary:
Turkey meatloaf is a delicious and lighter option for a comforting weeknight dinner, perfect for families. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that not only satisfies but also offers great leftovers for enjoyable meatloaf sandwiches.