If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with cozy flavors, you are going to love this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender ground turkey and pork mingling with savory stuffing, herbs that fill the air with warmth, and that perfect sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes just right. It’s like your favorite holiday sides and main all rolled into one delicious, oven-baked masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient works harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture, from the tender meat blend to the herbaceous notes and that irresistible sweet ketchup glaze. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items; just real, straightforward ingredients that transform into something truly special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Gives sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a fresh contrast to the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory flavor that brightens the loaf.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean, tender base that keeps things light and moist.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Introduces juiciness and a little fat for richness.
- 1 cup stuffing mix (dry): Soaks up juices and provides comforting herbs and texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the loaf moist and infuses more savory notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Classic earthy herb that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle, woodsy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Lends a fragrant, pine-like aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spicy kick.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Base for the glaze, bringing tang and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on top.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Balances sweetness with a bit of tangy sharpness.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you prefer a loaf pan or a lined baking sheet, prepare your baking surface by lightly greasing or using parchment paper. This ensures that your meatloaf comes out with ease and maintains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and celery and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step builds the foundational flavor and adds a lovely sweetness to the meatloaf. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly before mixing.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground pork, your dry stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Crack in the egg and add the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Then fold in your sautéed vegetable mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is well incorporated without overworking the meat.
Step 4: Shape and Glaze the Loaf
Transfer the mixture onto your prepared pan or loaf pan, shaping it firmly but gently into a loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the sweet ketchup glaze. Spread this evenly across the top of the meatloaf, which will bubble and caramelize in the oven to form a mouthwatering crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures your meatloaf is fully cooked but still tender and juicy. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute, giving you moist, flavorful slices every time.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A light drizzle of extra glaze on the slice before serving amps up the sweet-savory contrast and makes the presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness and add a fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the turkey stuffing meatloaf on toasted slices of crusty bread as an open-faced sandwich, topped with extra glaze and a handful of baby arugula. Alternatively, turn leftovers into hearty meatloaf sliders with melted cheese and pickles for a delicious snack or casual lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This meatloaf actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf whole (cool completely first) or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placed in freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months without a loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. To keep it moist, cover loosely with foil or a damp paper towel in the microwave. For a crispy top, the oven method works best.
FAQs
Can I use all ground turkey instead of mixing pork and turkey?
Absolutely! Using all ground turkey will make the meatloaf leaner, but it might be a bit less moist. Consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or an extra egg to keep it tender.
Is it necessary to use dry stuffing mix?
The dry stuffing mix adds great texture and seasoning, but if you don’t have it on hand, using breadcrumbs with some herbs is a good substitute.
Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the stuffing mix for a gluten-free bread crumb or a gluten-free stuffing option, and you’re good to go. Just check your broth and other ingredients for gluten content too.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard for the glaze?
No worries! You can use yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of vinegar mixed with a bit of honey for a different but still tasty glaze.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or one larger pan, adjusting the cooking time slightly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe is your new go-to for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike. It’s packed with comforting flavors, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your dining table. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is a hearty and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey and pork with savory stuffing mix and aromatic herbs. Topped with a tangy-sweet glaze, it bakes to perfection in the oven for a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup stuffing mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking surface by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork, dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Add the cooled sautéed vegetable mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the combined mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this flavorful glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a tangy-sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the meatloaf moist and easier to slice. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to substitute the stuffing mix with gluten-free options if needed.
- The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by altering the brown sugar and mustard amounts.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing prevents it from crumbling and retains moisture.
