This Hearty Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It's a comforting dish, packed with protein-rich turkey and chicken sausage, and a vibrant mix of veggies. The meatloaf is moist and flavorful, while the rich gravy elevates the dish with its savory notes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
While most ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items, you might need to grab a few from the supermarket. Ground turkey and chicken sausage may not be in your regular shopping list but they are the main components of this meatloaf. Half-and-half cream, commonly used in soups and sauces, lends a rich texture to both the meatloaf and gravy. You'll also need a variety of bell peppers, which add color and a sweet, slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
Ingredients for Hearty Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy
Butter: Used for sautéing and incorporating into the gravy for a richer flavor.
White onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor.
Green onions: They add a crisp, mild flavor.
Carrots: They add a sweet flavor and vibrant color.
Celery: Provides a slight crunch and refreshing flavor.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slightly bitter and sweet flavor.
Red bell pepper: Sweeter and slightly more bitter than the green ones.
Garlic: Gives a robust flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat.
Cayenne pepper: Gives a spicy kick.
Ground nutmeg: Gives a sweet, nutty flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Eggs: They act as a binder for the meatloaf.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy, sweet flavor.
Half-and-half cream: Makes the meatloaf and gravy rich and creamy.
Ground turkey: Lean, with a mild flavor.
Chicken sausage: Adds a savory, hearty flavor.
Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatloaf.
Shallots: They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
Yellow bell pepper: They're sweeter and more fruity than the green and red bell peppers.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Bay leaves: Gives a subtle bitterness and sweetness.
Beef stock: Adds a rich, meaty flavor to the gravy.
Chicken stock: Enhances the poultry flavor in the gravy.
Roma tomatoes: They have a strong, tangy flavor.
One reader, Christopher Radford says:
I recently tried the hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe, and it was absolutely delicious! The meatloaf was moist and flavorful, and the gravy was the perfect finishing touch. It's a great comfort food dish that's easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy
How to prepare the turkey meatloaf: This technique involves sautéing a variety of vegetables until they are soft and then combining them with a mixture of spices, eggs, ketchup, and half-and-half. The ground turkey, chicken sausage, and bread crumbs are then added and mixed together to form a loaf, which is then baked until cooked through and browned.
How to prepare the gravy: This technique involves sautéing shallots and bell peppers, then seasoning them with thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. The mixture is then combined with half-and-half, garlic, beef stock, and chicken stock, and simmered until the liquid is reduced. Tomatoes and ketchup are added, and the gravy is simmered further before being strained and seasoned to taste.
How To Make Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy
For this meatloaf recipe, we are making a lighter and more low-fat version by using turkey. Make this turkey meatloaf at home for an unforgettable meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Turkey Meatloaf:
- 1tbspbutter
- ⅔cupwhite onion,minced
- ¾cupgreen onions,minced
- ½cupcarrots,minced
- ½cupcelery,minced
- ¼cupgreen bell pepper,minced
- ¼cupred bell pepper,minced
- 2tspgarlic,minced
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspground black pepper
- ½tspcayenne pepper
- ½tspground nutmeg
- ½tspground cumin
- 3eggs
- ½cupketchup
- ½cuphalf-and-half cream
- 1½lbground turkey
- ½lbchicken sausage
- ¾cupbread crumbs,fresh
- 2tbspbutter,divided
For Gravy:
- 4shallots,minced
- ¼cupred bell pepper,minced
- ½cupyellow bell pepper,minced
- 1sprigthyme,fresh
- 1bay leaves
- ground black pepper,freshly to taste
- ½cuphalf-and-half cream
- 2tbspgarlic,minced
- 1cupbeef stock
- 1cupchicken stock
- 2Roma tomatoes,peeled, seeded and chopped
- ½cupketchup
- salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
Instructions
Turkey Meatloaf:
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
-
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Sauté white onions, green onions, carrots, celery, green and red bell peppers, and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
-
In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and cumin. Stir in eggs, ketchup, and half-and-half. Blend in a vegetable mixture from a skillet.
-
Add ground turkey, chicken sausage, and bread crumbs. Mix well with hands, then shape into a loaf. Place into the greased pan.
-
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 70 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Let rest for 10 minutes, then serve with gravy.
Gravy:
-
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots with red and yellow peppers until tender, about 10 minutes. Season with thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper.
-
Stir in half-and-half, garlic, beef stock, and chicken stock. Increase heat to high, and boil uncovered until liquid is reduced by ¼, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and ketchup.
-
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir in remaining tablespoon butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Strain gravy, discarding bay leaf and thyme before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 656.76kcal
- Fat: 39.06g
- Saturated Fat: 17.67g
- Trans Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.66g
- Carbohydrates: 41.46g
- Fiber: 4.99g
- Sugar: 17.62g
- Protein: 38.42g
- Cholesterol: 265.32mg
- Sodium: 1154.41mg
- Calcium: 189.73mg
- Potassium: 1079.90mg
- Iron: 4.61mg
- Vitamin A: 408.17µg
- Vitamin C: 49.54mg
Key Technique for Perfecting Turkey Meatloaf
When preparing the turkey meatloaf, it's important to mix the ingredients gently with your hands to avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Instead, lightly mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender, juicy result. Similarly, when shaping the loaf, don't pack it too tightly. A loose, gently formed loaf will yield a more tender texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all the vegetables and spices in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own from scratch.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
Invest in quality kitchen tools: Sharp knives and efficient kitchen gadgets can significantly speed up the cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within easy reach to minimize time spent searching and moving around the kitchen.
Multi-task: While the meatloaf is baking, use that time to prepare the gravy and any side dishes.
Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and moisture to the meatloaf, similar to butter.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor and can be used as a substitute for white onions in meatloaf.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for green onions in the meatloaf.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar earthy and sweet flavor to carrots and can be used as a substitute in the meatloaf.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor to celery and can be used as a substitute in the meatloaf.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers in the meatloaf.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers in the meatloaf.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in the meatloaf, providing a milder flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder flavor.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper, providing a similar level of heat.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for nutmeg, providing a warm and slightly sweet flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar earthy and citrusy flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in the meatloaf, providing binding properties.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for ketchup, providing a similar tomato flavor.
half-and-half cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for half-and-half cream, providing richness and creaminess.
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey, providing a similar lean protein base for the meatloaf.
chicken sausage - Substitute with pork sausage: Pork sausage can be used as a substitute for chicken sausage, providing a flavorful addition to the meatloaf.
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs, providing a lighter and crunchier texture.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots in the gravy, providing a similar flavor profile.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a slightly less sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers in the gravy.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for yellow bell peppers in the gravy.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a slightly different herbaceous flavor.
bay leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for bay leaves, providing a similar herbaceous flavor.
half-and-half cream - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for half-and-half cream in the gravy, providing a creamy texture.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in the gravy, providing a milder flavor.
beef stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for beef stock, providing a similar savory base for the gravy.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a similar savory base for the gravy.
roma tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute for Roma tomatoes, providing a similar tomato flavor for the gravy.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be used as a substitute for ketchup, providing a concentrated tomato flavor for the gravy.
Presentation Tips for a Delicious Turkey Meatloaf
Elevate the meatloaf: Mold the turkey meatloaf into a perfect rectangular shape using a mold to ensure a clean and professional presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives on top of the meatloaf for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Create a gravy swirl: Use a spoon to create a delicate swirl of the rich gravy on the plate, adding an artistic touch to the dish.
Plate with precision: Carefully place the sliced meatloaf on the plate, ensuring each slice is uniform and visually appealing.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a small bundle of microgreens on the side of the plate for a sophisticated and refined presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few edible flowers, such as nasturtium or pansies, to add a visually stunning and gourmet touch to the dish.
Use a sauce drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of the savory gravy on the plate around the meatloaf, creating an enticing and appetizing presentation.
Consider the negative space: Utilize the plate's negative space to create a visually striking presentation, ensuring the dish is the focal point.
Add a pop of color with roasted vegetables: Place a small portion of vibrant roasted vegetables alongside the meatloaf to add color and balance to the plate.
Highlight the meatloaf with a glaze: Brush a light glaze over the meatloaf to give it a glossy finish and enhance its visual appeal.
How To Store and Freeze hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe
To store leftover turkey meatloaf, let it cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped meatloaf in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For the gravy, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze the turkey meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
It is not recommended to freeze the gravy, as the texture and consistency may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze the gravy, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Leave some headspace for expansion, label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat the turkey meatloaf, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power.
To reheat the gravy, transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and smooth. If the gravy appears too thick, you can add a little chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
How To Reheat Meatloaf Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatloaf on a baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish. Cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the surface to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual slices of meatloaf in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help keep the meatloaf moist during reheating.
To reheat the gravy, transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy seems too thick, you can add a splash of beef stock, chicken stock, or water to thin it out. Heat the gravy until it's steaming and bubbling gently.
If you have a lot of leftover meatloaf and gravy, you can reheat them together in a covered casserole dish. Slice the meatloaf and arrange the slices in the dish, then pour the gravy over the top. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the meatloaf and gravy are heated through.
For a stovetop method, slice the meatloaf and arrange the slices in a large skillet. Pour the gravy over the meatloaf and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatloaf and gravy are heated through. This method allows you to reheat the meatloaf and gravy together quickly and easily.
Interesting Trivia About Meatloaf
Turkey meatloaf is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. It is a great source of lean protein and can be a tasty addition to a balanced diet. Turkey is also lower in fat and calories compared to beef, making it a heart-healthy choice. Additionally, the combination of vegetables and spices in this recipe adds a flavorful and nutritious twist to the classic meatloaf.
Is Making Turkey Meatloaf at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe is quite favorable. The use of ground turkey and chicken sausage provides a budget-friendly alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. The incorporation of vegetables and bread crumbs further enhances the affordability and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of four people is estimated to be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a hearty and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Meatloaf Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it uses lean ground turkey and chicken sausage, which are lower in fat and calories compared to traditional beef meatloaf. The recipe also incorporates a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy ingredients, such as half-and-half cream, butter, and a significant amount of ketchup, which can add extra calories, fat, and sugar to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the half-and-half cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to reduce the overall fat content
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter used in both the meatloaf and gravy, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Cut back on the amount of ketchup used, or opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free variety
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the meatloaf to boost the nutrient content and reduce the overall calorie density of the dish
- Serve the meatloaf with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables instead of high-calorie sides like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese
Editor's Opinion on This Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
The recipe for hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground turkey and chicken sausage, along with the aromatic blend of vegetables and spices, creates a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The rich and savory gravy complements the meatloaf perfectly, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the dish. The use of fresh ingredients and the careful balance of seasonings make this recipe a standout choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy Turkey Meatloaf
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Meatloaf Recipe
Why trust this Turkey Meatloaf and Gravy Recipe:
This hearty turkey meatloaf and gravy recipe is a testament to comfort and flavor. The combination of ground turkey and chicken sausage creates a rich and succulent meatloaf, while the medley of vegetables infuses each bite with a delightful crunch and sweetness. The aromatic blend of spices and herbs adds depth and warmth to the dish. The accompanying gravy is a luscious symphony of flavors, marrying the savory notes of beef stock and chicken stock with the subtle sweetness of tomatoes and ketchup. Trust in this recipe for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Low Cholesterol Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Skillet Harissa Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Tomato Zucchini Squash Skillet Recipe
Pork Chop Marinade Recipe
Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe
Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets Recipe
Zucchini Pork Dumplings Recipe
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Tuna Salad Deviled Eggs Recipe