Is it just me, or does meatloaf seem to carry an undeserved stigma? While it may not be the most glamorous dish on the dinner table, it sure has a certain charm that deserves a second glance. Let’s be real: meatloaf often gets the Rodney Dangerfield treatment of “I don’t get no respect.”
But hold on—this turkey meatloaf is not only scrumptious, it’s lighter than you might think (thanks to ground turkey) and fits perfectly into the comfort food category. This recipe yields a hearty portion, making it perfect for families of four or five, and let’s not forget the joy of leftover meatloaf. A meatloaf sandwich? Pure bliss!
Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh salad for an ultimate comforting meal.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅔ cup minced shallots (about 3 large shallots)
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions (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 and prepare a baking sheet or a large baking pan with sides by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and then add the minced shallots. Sauté them until tender, about 5 minutes—aim for them to be soft, not browned.
- Toss in the garlic and scallions, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the aroma of garlic fills the air. Stir in the salt, pepper, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and mustard. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then incorporate the ground turkey, Panko, cooled shallot mixture, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well (don’t be shy—use your hands!) and then form it into a rectangular loaf on the prepared baking pan, ensuring there’s space around it. Finally, blend the ketchup and chili sauce together and spread it evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 160°F. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to serve it hot or at room temperature.
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In summary, this turkey meatloaf is a delightful, lighter option for a weeknight meal that can bring comfort to your dinner table. Enjoy the leftovers, whether in sandwich form or reheated, and savor the homey flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
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