Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food twist you never knew you needed. Imagine all the cozy, well-seasoned flavor of classic stuffing and the moist, hearty bite of a traditional meatloaf, combined into a single, family-friendly dinner. This recipe takes the best of both worlds—using pantry staples like prepared stuffing and ground turkey—for a dish that’s easy to pull off on a busy weeknight but special enough to serve as the centerpiece on a holiday table. Whether you’re making it to use up leftovers or simply craving those Thanksgiving vibes, this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf delivers every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is delightfully straightforward, yet every component plays an important part in building irresistible texture, flavor, and that signature golden color. Each element deserves its spot and together, they guarantee a meatloaf that’s anything but bland.
- Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the herby goodness and makes the loaf irresistibly juicy.
- Prepared stuffing: Bring the flavor punch! Store-bought or leftover homemade stuffing both work; they give the loaf its signature herby character and help it hold together beautifully.
- Milk: Adds moisture for a tender, never-dry meatloaf—any milk will do.
- Egg: The essential binder that helps the ingredients stick together while baking.
- Onion: Finely diced onion melts into the loaf and brings subtle sweetness, plus vibrant flecks of color.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory, aromatic depth in every bite, easily mixing in for consistent flavor.
- Dried thyme: Offers a quintessential stuffing herb note that’s earthy and familiar.
- Salt: A little goes a long way in boosting all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of gentle heat to round things off.
- Ketchup or cranberry sauce (optional): A topping for that tangy-sweet finish and pretty glazed top; pick whichever suits your mood!
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a snap and helps unmold your Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with complete confidence!
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground turkey, prepared stuffing, milk, egg, diced onion, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. The secret here is to mix gently—use your hands or a spoon and stop as soon as the ingredients are combined. Overmixing is the enemy of meatloaf tenderness! The stuffing folds in seamlessly, soaking up the liquids and seasonings, binding the turkey and making every bite flavorful.
Step 3: Shape and Top Your Loaf
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, pressing it in gently and shaping it with your hands into a classic loaf form. If you love a sticky, tangy crust, smooth ketchup or cranberry sauce evenly across the top now. This turns beautifully glossy as it bakes, adding just enough sweet and tart oomph.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The goal is a golden top and an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring the turkey is cooked through but still moist. Let your Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking—this step locks in the juices and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thyme leaves, or even some extra-crispy fried onions on top adds a fresh, vibrant flourish. Not only do these garnishes make your Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf look gorgeous, but they highlight the herby flavors already baked inside. A drizzle of extra ketchup or a spoonful of cranberry sauce alongside each slice is always welcome, too!
Side Dishes
This meatloaf absolutely begs to be paired with creamy mashed potatoes and rich brown gravy. A bright side like steamed green beans, garlic sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad rounds out the plate perfectly, bringing balance and a pop of color. Don’t forget homemade rolls or a slab of crusty bread to soak up every bit of savory sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf thick for hearty dinner entrees, or cut it thin for the world’s best next-day sandwiches between soft bread with a smear of mayo and extra cranberry sauce. For parties, cube up the cooled meatloaf and serve with toothpicks and a side of gravy or cranberry dip as festive appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Let the loaf cool completely, then transfer slices or the whole loaf to an airtight container. If storing slices, place a small sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
This recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly! You can wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Alternatively, freeze the whole cooked loaf and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf, warm individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until piping hot (about 15 minutes for slices, 30 minutes for a whole loaf). A splash of chicken broth or gravy over the top will keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground turkey is the star for a lighter, leaner loaf, ground chicken or even ground beef can be swapped in. Just keep an eye on baking times, as poultry cooks a bit faster than beef.
Can I use leftover homemade stuffing?
Yes! Leftover homemade stuffing, especially from a big holiday feast, brings even more personality and depth to your Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf. Just be sure it hasn’t sat out at room temperature for too long before mixing in.
What can I use instead of milk for dairy-free?
Unsweetened plain almond milk or another neutral non-dairy milk is a perfect swap—your meatloaf will stay moist and flavorful, dairy-free. You can even use chicken broth in a pinch!
How can I make the meatloaf extra moist?
Don’t overbake, and avoid overmixing the ingredients! Also, try adding a few tablespoons of finely diced celery or mushrooms to the mix for an extra boost of moisture and texture.
Is Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf good for meal prep?
Definitely! Make the whole loaf ahead and slice for easy lunches or quick dinners through the week. It packs well in containers with mashed potatoes and green beans for an all-in-one meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dish that delivers big flavor with little fuss, and Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is exactly that kind of kitchen win. You’ll love how comforting and crowd-pleasing it is, whether it’s the heart of a weeknight dinner or a new family holiday tradition. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this irresistible, wholesome favorite!
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Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf combines the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a simple, comforting dish. Ground turkey is mixed with savory stuffing, onions, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. A delicious twist on classic meatloaf that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups prepared stuffing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup ketchup or cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and shape into a loaf. Top with ketchup or cranberry sauce if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy with mashed potatoes, gravy, or green beans.
Notes
- Leftover Thanksgiving stuffing can be used for extra flavor.
- Add chopped celery or mushrooms for additional texture.
- To make ahead, assemble the loaf and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
