Description
This Turkey Meatloaf recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring smoky turkey bacon and melty plant-based cheese inside a moist and tender ground turkey base. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and customizable for various dietary needs, it’s perfect for family dinners and leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg (or 1 flax egg)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or substitute with rosemary or oregano)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the smoked turkey bacon. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg or flax egg, parsley, thyme, onion, garlic, and smoked turkey bacon. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Stir gently and thoroughly for even distribution.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese: Fold in the plant-based cheese evenly through the mixture for a creamy texture in every bite.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes outside the oven to lock in juices and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and produce to elevate flavor.
- Do not overmix the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and avoid density.
- Check internal temperature with a food thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Rest meatloaf before slicing to redistribute juices.
- Line your pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, family dinner, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf
