Save A modern, lighter take on classic meatloaf, bursting with fresh herbs and comforting flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
I love making this meatloaf because it brings a fresh twist to a comforting classic and always pleases my family.
Ingredients
- Meat: 2 lbs (900 g) ground turkey (preferably a mix of dark and white meat)
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 medium carrot grated, 1 celery stalk finely diced
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped, 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- Binder & Seasoning: 3/4 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for gluten-free), 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (or dairy-free alternative), 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Topping: 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Soak Breadcrumbs:
- In a small bowl combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat sauté onion garlic carrot and celery until softened about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl combine ground turkey soaked breadcrumbs sautéed vegetables eggs herbs salt pepper Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined do not overwork.
- Prepare Meatloaf:
- Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan smoothing the top.
- Mix Topping:
- In a small bowl mix ketchup brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Save This meatloaf always brings my family together for a warm comforting meal we all enjoy.
Required Tools
Loaf pan (9x5-inch recommended) Mixing bowls Skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons Spatula or wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Wheat (breadcrumbs) Milk (if not using dairy-free alternative) and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce) For gluten-free use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs Always check labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 245 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 17 g Protein 28 g per serving
Save This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf is a delicious nutritious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the ground turkey with another meat?
Yes, ground chicken or lean beef can be used as alternatives, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- → How do the fresh herbs affect the flavor?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives add bright, aromatic notes that enhance the savory depth without overpowering the turkey.
- → Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Substitute the breadcrumbs with rolled oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the texture intact while avoiding gluten.
- → What is the purpose of soaking breadcrumbs in milk?
Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps retain moisture in the loaf, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
- → How can I ensure the meatloaf stays moist?
Using a mix of dark and white turkey meat and adding vegetables like grated zucchini help maintain moisture during baking.