Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
This Turkey and Stuffing Meatloaf combines lean ground turkey with savory herb-seasoned stuffing and sautéed vegetables for a comforting, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf. Topped with rich turkey gravy, it makes a perfect hearty dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 (6 oz.) box herb-seasoned stove-top stuffing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 cup McCormick Simply Better Turkey Gravy, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick ground thyme or thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick ground sage or sage leaves
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them for 6-8 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Gravy and Season: Season the sautéed vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in 3 tablespoons of turkey gravy. Cook this mixture for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Combine Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, boxed herb-seasoned stuffing mix, eggs, and milk. Fold in the cooled sautéed vegetable mixture and season with the ground thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Use two forks or your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape and Fill Loaf Pan: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape it compactly. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of turkey gravy evenly over the top of the meatloaf for added moisture and flavor.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165º F (74º C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, let it rest briefly, then slice and serve hot, topped with additional turkey gravy if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the sautéed vegetables are cooled before mixing them with the ground turkey to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- If you prefer a crustier top, you can broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor; adjust quantities to taste.
- You can substitute the boxed stuffing with homemade stuffing mix to customize flavors.
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, stuffing, turkey gravy, baked meatloaf, comforting dinner, lean meatloaf