If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that combines the best flavors of fall in one irresistible package, this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine the juicy, tender texture of turkey and pork mingling perfectly with savory stuffing spices, all wrapped up in a sweet and tangy glaze that’s simply unforgettable. This meatloaf feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners that beg for seconds and stories shared around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential, each playing a unique role in bringing out that cozy, flavorful magic in your meatloaf. From the fresh aromatics that build the base to the herbs that give it a classic seasoning boost, every item counts.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables to soften and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds depth and savory flavor.
- Celery stalks, finely chopped: Brings subtle crunch and freshness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic kick.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): The lean, mild-flavored star of this dish.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): Adds richness and moisture to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Stuffing mix (1 cup dry): Delivers that classic stuffing texture and seasoning inside the meatloaf.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the meat mixture moist and tender.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together.
- Dried sage (1 tsp): Brings earthy, herbal warmth.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Offers a subtle floral note.
- Dried rosemary (1 tsp): Adds a fragrant pine-like aroma.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild heat and depth.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): The base for the glaze, giving a sweet tang.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Brings caramel notes to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds zesty sharpness balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan—this keeps your meatloaf from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and celery. Let them cook gently until tender, about 5 minutes. Adding the minced garlic at the end and cooking it just for a minute gives the mix that beautiful, fragrant boost without turning bitter. Once ready, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, so it blends better with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Your Meatloaf Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey and pork, then add the dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, and the egg that will bind everything together. Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Finally, fold in your cooled sautéed onion and celery mixture. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork it—this keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy.
Step 4: Shape and Glaze
Shape the mixture into a loaf, either freeform on your baking sheet or pressed into your loaf pan. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create that perfect glaze. Spread this evenly over the top of your loaf to get that sweet, tangy finish that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for one hour, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked but still juicy and tender. When it’s done, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this step lets the juices redistribute for the best texture.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the hearty meatloaf with a pop of color and freshness. If you like, a little extra drizzle of ketchup or your favorite gravy can take it to the next level, making each bite saucy and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing the plate perfectly. Don’t forget a warm dinner roll or cornbread to soak up any extra glaze or juices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving individual mini meatloaves in ramekins or muffin tins. It’s charming, portion-controlled, and sure to get compliments. You can even slice the meatloaf thinly, layer it in a sandwich with cranberry sauce, and transform leftovers into a gourmet meal idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let the meatloaf cool completely before sealing to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This meatloaf freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm slices gently in the microwave or bake uncovered in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through—about 15-20 minutes. Covering loosely with foil prevents the top from drying out while keeping it tender and tasty.
FAQs
Can I make this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the dry stuffing mix for a gluten-free version or substitute it with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten sources.
Is it necessary to use ground pork along with the turkey?
While the ground pork adds extra moisture and richness to the meatloaf, you can use all turkey if you prefer. Just be mindful that the meatloaf might be slightly leaner and you may want to add a splash more broth or an extra egg to keep it moist.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before?
Yes! Mixing your ingredients ahead of time and refrigerating overnight can actually help the flavors meld beautifully. Just shape and glaze it right before baking for the best texture and presentation.
What should I do if I don’t have dried herbs?
Fresh herbs can be a lovely substitute, but use approximately three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated. If you have neither, a pinch of poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning mix can fill in nicely.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the meat is fully cooked without drying out your delicious Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to bring this warm, satisfying dish into your kitchen. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when comfort food calls, and it’s bound to become a fast favorite that you’ll return to again and again. Happy cooking!
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Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, combining lean ground turkey and pork with savory stuffing mix and aromatic herbs. Topped with a sweet and tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup stuffing mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly to avoid cooking the raw meat mixture prematurely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork, dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and the cooked onion and celery mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a unified meatloaf mixture.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or inside the loaf pan.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard together to form a sweet and tangy glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor and appealing color.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Letting the sautéed vegetables cool slightly before mixing prevents partially cooking the eggs or meat prematurely.
- Using a mixture of turkey and pork keeps the meatloaf moist and flavorful while remaining lean.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results and food safety.
- The glaze can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less brown sugar for sweetness or mustard for tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
