This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf recipe is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. It combines the moist, savory goodness of meatloaf with the herbaceous, comforting flavors of traditional stuffing. The result is a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner, a holiday potluck, or any occasion where you want to bring smiles to faces. Forget dry, bland meatloaf – this recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Comfort Food Fusion: It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup! Combining the best of meatloaf and stuffing, this recipe offers a unique and exciting flavor profile that’s both familiar and surprising.
- Moist and Flavorful: Say goodbye to dry, crumbly meatloaf. The addition of stuffing mix and chicken broth ensures a tender and juicy texture. The sautéed vegetables and poultry seasoning infuse the meatloaf with savory, aromatic flavors.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this comforting dish on the table in no time.
- Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to the meatloaf mixture or experiment with different types of stuffing mix.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavor of this meatloaf only improves with time, making it ideal for leftovers. Enjoy it in sandwiches, salads, or as a quick and easy meal throughout the week.
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery (about 3 large stalks)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry poultry seasoning
- 1 6-ounce box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
Glaze:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Preparation:
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (5–6 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. The aroma of the sautéing vegetables will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the deliciousness to come. Remember to stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Allow the vegetables to cool slightly before adding them to the meatloaf mixture. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and ensures a more cohesive meatloaf.
Step 2: Prepare Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir well to ensure that all the stuffing pieces are evenly moistened. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid. This step is crucial for creating a moist and tender meatloaf. The stuffing mix acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together and preventing it from drying out during baking. You can use any type of stuffing mix you prefer, but a classic herb-seasoned variety works best.
Step 3: Mix Meatloaf: In the same large bowl, add the sautéed vegetables, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and ground turkey to the prepared stuffing. Gently mix all the ingredients until just combined—do not overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients, ensuring that everything is evenly distributed. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth of flavor to the meatloaf, enhancing its overall taste.
Step 4: Shape & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the meatloaf from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking. Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to gently shape the meatloaf into a uniform loaf, ensuring that it is evenly distributed in the pan.
Step 5: Add Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. This simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the meatloaf, complementing the savory flavors of the stuffing and turkey. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking. The glaze will caramelize in the oven, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust.
Step 6: Bake: Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding contact with the pan. Brush the meatloaf with the remaining glaze halfway through the baking time. If the meatloaf starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest & Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf. Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve warm with your favorite sides.
COOKING Rating: 4/5 stars. Easy to cook and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions:
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to meatloaf.
- Green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a touch of freshness and color to the plate.
- Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf and stuffing.
- Roasted vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, adds a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
- Mac and cheese: For a truly indulgent comfort food experience, serve the meatloaf with creamy mac and cheese.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the meatloaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
- Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as diced carrots, peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use different types of stuffing mix: Experiment with different types of stuffing mix to create a unique flavor profile.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 50-60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving Protein: 30-35 grams per serving Sodium: 500-600mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving any time of year. The combination of moist turkey, savory stuffing, and a tangy glaze creates a truly irresistible experience. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a festive dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken is a perfectly acceptable substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but the overall texture and moistness of the meatloaf will remain the same. Just be sure to use ground chicken that is similar in lean-to-fat ratio to the ground turkey specified in the recipe (preferably 93% lean).
Q2: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this meatloaf ahead of time. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and follow the baking instructions as written. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the meatloaf is cold from the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bake the meatloaf completely and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve it. Store the baked meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice the meatloaf and warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q3: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A: Yes, this meatloaf freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. To freeze after baking, let the meatloaf cool completely. Slice it into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the desired number of portions in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Q4: What can I substitute for the stuffing mix?
A: If you don’t have stuffing mix on hand, you can make your own substitute. Combine 6 cups of cubed bread (such as white bread, sourdough, or Italian bread), dried herbs (such as sage, thyme, and rosemary), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can use cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous as a substitute for the stuffing mix. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly, as these ingredients may absorb more or less liquid than stuffing mix.
Q5: Can I add cheese to this meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! Adding cheese to this meatloaf is a great way to enhance its flavor and texture. You can add shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese to the meatloaf mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking to create a cheesy crust. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the meatloaf mixture. The possibilities are endless!
