Turkey meatloaf is a great alternative to beef meatloaf but because it is lean, it is often very dry and boring. This recipes has onions, mushrooms, and herbs blended into the meatloaf, which keeps it moist while it cooks. If you don’t like mushrooms, you can substitute red bell peppers for example. I have also included instructions on how to make a quick gravy. Here’s how to make it:
Start by sautéing 1 large onion and a pound of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter.
Cook over medium heat until onions are caramelized and mushrooms are browned and tender. Move to a pan to cool.
Once onion mushroom mixture is cooled, pulse in the food processor until chopped about the size of peas. Mix the mushrooms and onions with 3 lbs. of ground turkey, 1 tablespoon of herbs de Provence, and season with a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of pepper. Test a small amount by placing it in the microwave to cook and see if you need more salt and pepper. It is important to do it now because once the meatloaf is done, it’s too late.
Once it is all mixed well and you have tested the salt and pepper content, place in a loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray or greased.
You can now top your meatloaf with ketchup or in my recipe, I topped mine with tomato paste because it has a richer tomato flavor and does not contain high fructose corn syrup either. I also make my own homemade ketchup for that reason. Which ever you choose, spread it all over the top, place loaf pan on a foil lined baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees tented with aluminum foil for 50-60 minutes until thermometer registers 165 degrees. As it rests the temperature will come up. If you want a drier top, cook without the foil, which is what I did.
To make a quick gravy, sauté 1/2 pound of mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until brown. Deglaze the pan with a cup of beef stock and thicken the sauce with 2 table spoons of corn starch mixed with 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 min. until thickened. Add small amount of half & half or milk if you want a creamier sauce.
The meatloaf goes great with some garlic mashed potatoes. Enjoy and happy cooking.
Prep Time: 30 min Cooking Time: 50-60 min.
Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
3 lbs. ground turkey
1.5 pounds mushrooms
1 large onion
1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1 6 oz. can tomato paste (or you can use ketchup)
2 tablespoons corn starch (if making gravy)
1/4 cup water
half & half or milk
extra salt & pepper to taste