Offering a lighter but equally delicious substitute for conventional beef meatloaf, this turkey meatloaf is a great variation on a comfort food. Driven with Mediterranean tastes from feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is filling and healthful. Bringing warmth and delight to your table, it’s ideal for a family supper or meal prep for the week.
Table of NotesGetting ready with the mixtureShape and BakingTraditional Pairing: The Peak of Comfort DinnerMediterranean Twist: An Other Lighter, More Flavorous SubstituteSandwich Option: An Original Approach for Using LeftoversStoring Leftovers: Maintaining Meatloaf FreshnessFreeze: Long-Term Meal Prep StorageReheating: Restoring the Freshness
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Using lean ground turkey lowers the fat count without sacrificing taste.
Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese provide the meatloaf a rich, delicious richness.
Simple Preparation: This dish is perfect for beginners and experienced chefs since it is simple to follow with few steps.
Perfect for leftovers and pairs nicely with many sides, versatile meals keep their moistness and taste even after reheated.
Elements
Ground turkey is a lean protein basis that lightens the meatloaf from conventional forms.
Help bind the meatloaf together and give it structure with breadcrumbs.
Fresh parsley gives the mix some color and freshness.
Sun-dried tomatoes would add a sweet-tart taste to go with the turkey.
Garlic: With its fragrant quality, improves the savory taste.
Act as a binding agent to keep the meatloaf together.
Milk moistens the breadcrumbs such that the meatloaf stays tender.
Feta cheese enhances the general taste by imparting a creamy texture and sour taste.
Essential seasons to accentuate every taste are salt and pepper.
Note: At the end of the post, the recipe card will have the whole list including precise measurements.
Making the Turkey Meatloaf: How?
Getting Ready for the Mixture
To be sure your oven is ready for baking, preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
Combine in a big bowl breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Your meatloaf’s delicious basis comes from this mix.
- Add wet components to the dry mix—eggs and milk. Stirring till the breadcrumbs absorb the liquids will produce a coherent combination.
- To the bowl toss the ground turkey and crumbled feta cheese. Being cautious not to overmix, which would result in a dense meatloaf, gently mix until all ingredients are equally distributed.
Changing and baking
Shape the meatloaf by spreading the mixture on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Form it into a loaf form to guarantee its compactness for baking’s hold-through.
The meatloaf should be warmed and baked for around 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the meatloaf from the oven once done and let it sit for roughly five minutes. This lets the juices migrate, producing a moist and soft slice.
Suggestions for Making Turkey Meatloaf
Select Quality Turkey: To keep the meatloaf moist, choose ground turkey with a little fat content—93% lean.
To get a soft texture, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes before mixing.
To keep the meatloaf from being tough, mix the components until just mixed.
Using a meat thermometer guarantees that your meatloaf cooks through without becoming overcooked.
Let the meatloaf sit before cutting to help to retain its juices.
Serving Method:
A great, moist turkey meatloaf calls for the ideal side dishes and presentation techniques to accentuate the dinner. There are many ways to savor this delicious meal, whether your taste is for a classic comfort-food experience, a fresh Mediterranean touch, or a creative leftover make-over.
Classic Match: The Perfect Comfort Dinner
A warm slice of turkey meatloaf presented with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans is the definition of home-cooked excellence. A tried-and-true favorite that masterfully blends tastes and textures is this mix.
The best friend to meatloaf are creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. The thick slice of turkey meatloaf contrasts exactly with the smooth texture. To give your mashed potatoes even more taste, toss roasted garlic, chives, or even some parmesan cheese. Mashed cauliflower is a terrific low-carb substitute that still offers a creamy base if you’re seeking for one.
Lightly steamed green beans provide your plate a burst of freshness and color. For extra crunch and taste, toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, or a sprinkling of slumbled almonds. For a more savory side, consider roasting the green beans with a little parmesan cheese and garlic if you like a roasted alternative.
Though this turkey meatloaf is already delicious on its own, presenting it with a warm, savory gravy will elevate it. Mushroom Sauce Every item gains depth and richness from a basic brown gravy or a mushroom sauce. The pan drippings from the meatloaf will even help you make a homemade turkey gravy.
Mediterranean Twist: A Lighter, More Flavored Substitute
This turkey meatloaf accentuates nicely with Mediterranean-inspired sides since it is flavored with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. These fresh, colorful foods make the meal light and healthy while accentuating the finest in the meatloaf.
A great combo is a crisp, reviving Greek salad stuffed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. A lemon-oregano vinaigrette’s acidity slices through the meatloaf’s richness to provide a well-balanced bite.
Choose Mediterranean-style roasted vegetables rather than conventional steamed ones. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a little oregano, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and red onions make a vibrant and savory side that accentuates the meatloaf’s tastes.
Light and fluffy couscous or quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint creates a great side dish that keeps the dinner light yet filling. For a fun texture contrast, toss some dried cranberries or roasted pine nuts.
Side dollops of chilled, creamy tzatziki sauce improve the Mediterranean tastes of the meal. Yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill complements the feta and sun-dried tomatoes in the meatloaf exactly.
Sandwich Option: A Novel Approach for Making Use of Leftovers
One amazing sandwich filling is left-over turkey meatloaf. Turn a basic slice into a tasty sandwich or wrap instead of reheating it to create a quick and great lunch.
Slice the leftover meatloaf and sandwich two slices of toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread between one another. For a filling lunch, toss crisp lettuce, luscious tomato slices with a dab of mayonnaise or Dijon mustard.
For a lighter substitute, toss the sliced meatloaf with cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a drizz of tzatziki sauce over a warm pita or flatbread. This is an amazing approach to create a great dinner out of leftovers.
Top a slice of meatloaf on a piece of toasted bread with a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese; broil for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Present with a fresh contrast side of arugula salad.
Prepare Ahead and Store
Fresh turkey meatloaf is great, but leftovers hold up wonderfully as well. Here’s how to preserve it tasting its best whether you want to make it ahead of time for meal prep or save leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers: Maintaining Meatloaf Freshness
Maintaining the taste and texture of your meatloaf depends mostly on appropriate storage.
Let the meatloaf cool totally before refrigeration. Stow slices in an airtight container or carefully wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Turkey meatloaf refrigerated correctly will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you intend to reheat individual portions, cut the meatloaf before storing it. This guarantees even warming across and speeds up reheating. To help the slices not stick, stack them with parchment paper in between.
Maintaining Moisture In: Turkey meatloaf dries up faster than beef if improperly stored. It is leaner. Drizzle the slices with some broth or tomato sauce to keep them wet; then, before storing them, seal them.
Long-Term Meal Prep Storage: Freezing
Use these easy techniques to preserve your turkey meatloaf tasting as fresh as it should be for next meals.
Let the cooked meatloaf cool totally before securely wrapping it in plastic wrap over a sheet of aluminum foil. Put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, date it, then freeze for up to three months.
Freeze separate slices rather than the complete meatloaf for simpler warming. On a baking sheet, lay the slices one layer and chill them for one to two hours. Once solid, move them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating the slices. This lets you remove just the amount you need and helps them from clinging together.
Reheating: Restoring the Freshness
Correct reheating of meatloaf guarantees its moisture and taste retention. Steer clear from overheating since this will dry it out.
The easiest approach to reheat meatloaf is in the oven. Slabs should be arranged in a baking dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then foil over them. Heat until warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes or so. If reheating an entire meatloaf, give 20 to 25 minutes.
Reheat single slices in the microwave if you’re pressed for time. On a microwave-safe plate, lay a slice; cover with a moist paper towel and heat on medium power for one to two minutes. The damp towel helps the meatloaf stay from drying out.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tiny bit of olive oil or butter to get a crispy outside. Cook the meatloaf slices until warmed through, two to three minutes on each side. The meatloaf gets a wonderful crust from this approach.
Drizzle additional stock, marinara sauce, or a light gravy over the slices if your meatloaf appears a bit dry to add moisture and improve the taste before warming.
These storage and reheating techniques will help you to enjoy your turkey meatloaf at its best even several days after cooking. Whether you present it just out of the oven or a oven or as leftovers, this dish remains a comforting and delicious meal option.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While feta adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella for a milder taste.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked quinoa can serve as alternatives to breadcrumbs, helping to bind the meatloaf.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
Ensuring a balance of moisture-rich ingredients like milk and not overbaking are key steps. Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness can help avoid overcooking.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them first to reduce excess
For more delicious recipes, you might enjoy:
- Classic Beef Meatloaf Recipe
- Healthy Turkey and Quinoa Meatballs
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Giada’s Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This turkey meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining lean ground turkey with the rich flavors of feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional meatloaf, offering a moist and flavorful experience that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers!
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Plain bread crumbs
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Olive oil
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Note: The full list of ingredients with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center.
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, eggs, olive oil, feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add the Turkey: Gently fold the ground turkey into the mixture, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense meatloaf.
Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender loaf.
Notes
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor. Be sure to drain them well before chopping.
Feta Cheese: Using high-quality feta can enhance the overall taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using goat cheese as a substitute.
Overmixing: To keep the meatloaf tender, mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/4 of the meatloaf)
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.3 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 24.1 g
- Cholesterol: 149 mg
Keywords: Turkey meatloaf, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, healthy dinner, easy meatloaf recipe