Turkey Meatloaf with Cheddar and BBQ Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This turkey meatloaf recipe is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with flavorful vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a tangy BBQ glaze, it’s moist and satisfying without being heavy. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon butter
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons BBQ sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 pounds ground turkey (85% lean)
• ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add half and half, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Italian breadcrumbs, then fold in the cooled onion, pepper, and garlic mixture.
5. Step 5: Add the ground turkey and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased meatloaf pan.
7. Step 7: Use a spatula to create a small space around the edges of the pan about the width of your finger. Spread any excess meat from the sides onto the top to allow airflow for a crustier outside and juicier inside.
8. Step 8: Combine the ½ cup ketchup and ½ cup BBQ sauce and spread half of this mix evenly over the meatloaf.
9. Step 9: Place the meatloaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
10. Step 10: Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and spread the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce over the top.
11. Step 11: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Step 12: Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes. The internal temperature will rise an additional 8-10 degrees during this time.
13. Step 13: Slice and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can substitute half and half with whole milk or add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the mixture.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for more veggies and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier glaze, mix in a dash of hot sauce with the ketchup and BBQ sauce topping.
• Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked without drying out.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave slices until warm or bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind it may be a bit leaner, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or mayonnaise to maintain moisture.

Why is it important not to overmix the meat?

Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Gently mixing just until combined helps keep the texture tender and juicy.

Turkey Meatloaf with Cheddar and BBQ Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This delicious and juicy Turkey Meatloaf recipe combines ground turkey with sautéed vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy ketchup-BBQ glaze. Baked at a moderate temperature, the meatloaf develops a crispy exterior and moist interior, perfect for a comforting family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 Tablespoon butter
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Meatloaf Mixture

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons BBQ Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 pounds ground turkey (85% lean)

Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup BBQ Sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, yellow mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Vegetables: Stir in the Italian breadcrumbs into the wet mixture. Then incorporate the cooled sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic, mixing gently to combine.
5. Combine with Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender.
6. Mold the Meatloaf: Transfer the turkey mixture into a lightly greased meatloaf pan. Using a silicone spatula, create a finger-width space around the perimeter of the pan by pushing excess meat from the sides onto the top. This allows better airflow, promoting a crisp crust and juicy interior.
7. Apply Glaze – First Layer: Mix together the ketchup and BBQ sauce. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place the meatloaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings during baking, ensuring an easy cleanup.
9. Bake Initial Phase: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to set the structure.
10. Apply Glaze – Second Layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze on top.
11. Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it is fully cooked.
12. Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. During this resting time, the internal temperature will rise by about 8 to 10 degrees, keeping the meatloaf moist and juicy.
13. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Using half and half keeps the meatloaf moist; you can substitute with whole milk or a milk alternative if preferred.
• Creating the finger-width gap around the meatloaf in the pan promotes airflow for a better crust and juicier loaf.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 155°F for safe consumption of ground poultry.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute, improving texture.
• This loaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, meatloaf with BBQ glaze, easy meatloaf recipe, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf