Savory Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Dive into the comforting flavors of our Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon, a fantastic alternative to traditional beef recipes. This dish is light, tasty, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a hearty family dinner or a special weekend meal. Let’s get into the kitchen and start crafting this delicious, healthier version of a beloved classic!
Why Will You Love this Recipe?
- Healthier Option: Using ground turkey instead of beef makes this meatloaf lighter and lower in fat, while still being incredibly satisfying.
- Rich and Flavorful: The addition of bacon wraps the meatloaf in a smoky, savory layer that complements the mild turkey perfectly.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward prep and common ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and enjoyable to make even on a busy day.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in some grated cheddar or mozzarella inside the meatloaf for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper to the meat mix will spice things up.
- Veggie Packed: Enhance the nutrition by mixing finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach into the turkey mixture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F for baking the meatloaf.
- Mixing Bowl: Large enough to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Loaf Pan: Essential for shaping and cooking the meatloaf. Lining it with parchment paper makes for easy removal and clean-up.
FAQ
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatloaf in slices for easy thawing and reheating. Just wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
How should I store it and how long does it last?
Store leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
What should I serve with this meatloaf?
This turkey meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.
Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
While not strictly low-carb due to breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a lower-carb version.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative that keeps the dish lighter and reduces the fat content even further.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Ground Turkey Patties with Cheese
- Oven-Fried Breaded Crepes with Ground Turkey
- Here’s How to Make Ground Turkey Taste Better
- How to Cook Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey
- Lasagna Soup (Recipe With Ricotta)
- Sweet Potato Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey
Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.1 pounds ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/5 teaspoon pepper
- 1/5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1.5 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 3.5 ounces ketchup
- 3 ounces bacon or pancetta thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, season ground turkey with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix in the cooled onion and breadcrumb mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the turkey mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing to form a loaf shape.
- Spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf and then layer with the thinly sliced bacon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Let the meatloaf cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
This meatloaf can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking if desired.
