Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf: A Comforting Twist on Two Classic Dishes
If you’re a fan of Thanksgiving flavors or crave a hearty, comforting meal, Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is a dish that combines the best of both worlds. It fuses the rich, savory flavor of meatloaf with the nostalgic herbs and textures of holiday stuffing. Moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday-inspired meals any time of year.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a delicious Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf step by step, along with tips to customize it to your taste.
Why You’ll Love Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf
- Juicy and Tender: Ground turkey paired with stuffing mix ensures a moist, never-dry meatloaf.
- Flavor-Packed: Infused with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for classic stuffing flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and seasoning into a single dish.
- Versatile: Can be made with homemade or store-bought stuffing, and easily customized.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey
- 2 cups prepared stuffing (boxed stuffing like Stove Top or homemade)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Glaze (Sweet & Savory):
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
If using boxed stuffing:
- Follow the package instructions using water and butter.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before mixing.
If using homemade stuffing:
- Make sure it’s moist but not too wet. Day-old bread works best.
Let the stuffing cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg when mixed.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground turkey
- Prepared stuffing
- Chopped onion and minced garlic
- Egg
- Milk or broth
- Sage, thyme, salt, and pepper
Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix or the meatloaf can become dense.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the mixture to your loaf pan and press it down gently. You can also shape it by hand on a baking sheet into a free-form loaf.
Smooth the top with a spatula or your hands.
Step 5: Add the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. It adds a sweet-savory balance and helps with browning.
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