This stuffed turkey meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It's a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings, combining the lean goodness of ground turkey with the gooey surprise of melted cheese inside. The result is a moist, flavorful meatloaf that everyone will love.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually cook with ground turkey, you might need to pick some up from the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have breadcrumbs on hand, as they help bind the meatloaf together and add texture.
Ingredients for Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ground turkey: The main protein for the meatloaf, offering a leaner alternative to beef.
Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatloaf together and add texture.
Beaten egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf mixture together.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatloaf, ensuring it stays tender.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Shredded cheese: The stuffing that melts inside the meatloaf, adding a gooey, delicious surprise.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the ground turkey with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, and black pepper, ensure that you do not overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough meatloaf. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. This will help maintain a tender and moist texture in the final dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with oatmeal: Oatmeal can provide a similar binding effect and adds a bit of extra fiber.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar texture and flavor to the meatloaf.
beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a binding agent similar to an egg.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can provide a similar moisture content without altering the flavor significantly.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat profile but is slightly milder, making it a good alternative.
shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor while being dairy-free and adding extra nutrients.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the stuffed turkey meatloaf to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the meatloaf soggy.
Once cooled, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and helps to keep the flavors intact.
Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of how long the meatloaf has been stored.
For short-term storage, place the meatloaf in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
For long-term storage, place the meatloaf in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If you prefer to freeze individual slices, cut the meatloaf into portions before wrapping each slice separately in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped slices in a single layer in a resealable plastic bag. This makes it easy to grab just the amount you need.
When reheating from frozen, you can also use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover stuffed turkey meatloaf in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the meatloaf is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top crisp up slightly.
Microwave Method:
- Slice the meatloaf into individual portions for even heating.
- Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
- If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Stovetop Method:
- Slice the meatloaf into individual portions.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the slices in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the meatloaf into individual portions.
- Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the meatloaf slices in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and serve immediately.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the meatloaf at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).
Loaf pan: The container in which the meatloaf mixture is shaped and baked.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, and black pepper.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs and milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.
Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.
Spatula: Useful for pressing the turkey mixture into the loaf pan and spreading it evenly.
Cheese grater: If you need to shred the cheese yourself before adding it to the meatloaf.
Knife: Used for slicing the meatloaf after it has rested.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to slice the meatloaf on.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the loaf pan in the oven and taking it out.
Timer: Helps keep track of the 60-minute baking time and the 10-minute resting period.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, milk, and spices ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Line the loaf pan: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze one meatloaf for a quick meal later.
Utilize a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the ground turkey and other ingredients.
Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground turkey
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg beaten
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Shredded cheese for stuffing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Press half of the turkey mixture into a loaf pan.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the turkey mixture in the pan.
- Top with the remaining turkey mixture and press down firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is browned.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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