Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf

$- 1.5 lbs ground turkey - 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1/4 cup milk (or your choice of plant-based milk) - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika The main ingredients make this meatloaf special. Ground turkey is lean and keeps it moist. Whole grain breadcrumbs add texture. Onion and garlic bring a rich flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme enhance the taste. - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra moisture and creaminess) - Ketchup or BBQ sauce, for topping Adding mozzarella cheese gives the meatloaf a creamy texture. Ketchup or BBQ sauce on top adds a sweet and tangy layer. You can also use plant-based milk if you prefer. These options let you customize the dish to your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. While the oven heats, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine all your ingredients: - 1.5 lbs ground turkey - 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1/4 cup milk (or your choice of plant-based milk) - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra moisture and creaminess) Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf may turn out dense. Next, transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it gently into a loaf form. Make sure the top is even. This helps it cook evenly. Now it's time for the sauce! Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce on top. This adds flavor and moisture. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for about 50-60 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This is important! Resting helps the juices settle. If you cut too soon, the juices run out. When ready to serve, slice the meatloaf carefully. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it with steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf! Ground turkey is lean, which means it can dry out. To keep it moist, do not overmix your ingredients. When you stir the mixture, do it gently and just until combined. This helps keep the meatloaf light and tender. To ensure a moist meatloaf, add milk and grated cheese. They help keep the turkey juicy. The cheese also adds a creamy texture. Both ingredients work well together, making your meatloaf extra flavorful. Want more flavor? Try adding herbs like basil or oregano. You can also mix in spices such as cumin or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs brighten the dish, while spices add depth. Using cheese is a great idea, too. Mozzarella is soft and melts nicely. You can also use cheddar for a sharper taste. Just fold it in gently, so it blends well with the turkey. Choosing the right loaf pan is key. A metal pan cooks meatloaf evenly, while a glass pan lets you see the cooking process. Make sure it’s non-stick to avoid any sticking issues. For mixing and shaping, a large bowl works best. Use your hands to mix, but remember to be gentle. A spatula can help shape the mixture into a loaf, giving it a nice form. These tools make the process easy and fun! Pro Tips Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps retain its juices for a more flavorful slice. Ingredient Substitutions: If you're looking for a lower-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with ground oats or almond flour. Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of your favorite mustard to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Moisture Check: Ensure your turkey meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C) internally to avoid dry meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. {{image_4}} You can swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well and keeps it light. You can also use ground beef for a richer flavor. Each option brings a unique taste to your meatloaf. If you prefer vegetarian meals, consider using lentils or black beans. These ingredients create a hearty texture and add protein. You can mix in oats or quinoa for added fiber. This way, you can enjoy a meatloaf without meat. Toppings can change the whole dish. Instead of ketchup, try a tangy BBQ sauce. You can also use a sweet glaze made from honey and mustard. Each choice adds a new layer of flavor. Want to boost the taste even more? Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. They add moisture and crunch. Cheese is another great addition. Try shredded cheddar or feta for a creamy touch. These variations keep your meatloaf exciting and full of flavor. To keep your Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf fresh, store it properly. First, let the meatloaf cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This method keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. For longer storage, freeze the meatloaf. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date so you know when to use it. Reheating meatloaf is simple if you follow the right steps. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist while heating. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it's hot throughout. You can also microwave it. Cut the meatloaf into slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This method is fast but may not keep the meatloaf as juicy. Storing and reheating your Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf correctly helps you enjoy it again later. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 165°F (74°C) when done. This ensures it is safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, look for juices that run clear. The meatloaf should be firm and not jiggly. Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just remember to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Do not cook it from frozen. It won’t cook evenly. Is this meatloaf gluten-free? No, this meatloaf is not gluten-free as it contains whole grain breadcrumbs. If you need a gluten-free option, replace those with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use oats or crushed gluten-free crackers. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can easily make this meatloaf dairy-free. Use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. You can also skip the cheese if you want. The meatloaf will still taste great and stay moist. What are good side dishes to serve with meatloaf? Some great sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a heartier meal. They all pair well with the flavors of the meatloaf. Ideas for leftovers or meatloaf sandwiches Leftover meatloaf makes for tasty sandwiches. Slice it and place it between bread with lettuce and tomato. You can also heat it up and serve it with more ketchup or BBQ sauce. Another idea is to crumble it into a salad for added protein. In this blog post, we explored making garlic herb turkey meatloaf, from key ingredients to cooking methods. You learned how to prep your oven, mix delicious ingredients, and bake your meatloaf perfectly. We also discussed tips for flavor, texture, and storage. Take your time with each step for the best results. You can adjust ingredients and create variations to suit your taste. Enjoy this meal with your favorite sides or as a tasty sandwich the next day!$

Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf

A flavorful and moist turkey meatloaf infused with garlic and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground turkey
1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
0.25 cup fresh thyme, finely chopped
0.25 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
to taste ketchup or BBQ sauce, for topping

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, whole grain breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is just incorporated.
If you're opting for the mozzarella cheese, gently fold it into the turkey mixture.
Using your hands or a spatula, blend the ingredients carefully. Be cautious not to overmix; doing so could result in a dense meatloaf.
Transfer the turkey mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it gently into a loaf form with an even top surface for consistent cooking.
Spread a generous layer of ketchup or BBQ sauce on the surface of the meatloaf for a burst of flavor and added moisture during baking.
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. The meatloaf should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Garlic Herb Turkey Meatloaf!

Notes

For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with steamed vegetables or a salad.

Keyword garlic, herbs, meatloaf, turkey