Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf Recipe That Feeds a Crowd

A succulent turkey meatloaf can revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Craving a dish that hugs your taste buds while delivering serious nutrition?

Hearty seasonings and smart ingredient choices transform this humble protein into a culinary masterpiece.

Ground turkey becomes a delectable canvas for bold, unexpected combinations that spark dinnertime excitement.

Professional and home cooks alike understand how simple techniques can elevate comfort food from ordinary to spectacular.

Lean, protein-packed, and bursting with savory notes, this meatloaf promises to be the star of your evening meal.

Grab your apron and get ready to wow everyone at the table with a recipe that turns weeknight cooking into a celebration.

Leftover Turkey Meatloaf? Here’s Ina’s Storage Advice

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store leftover meatloaf in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal safety.
• Maximize Refrigerator Life: Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture preservation.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Slice the meatloaf before freezing for easier portioning. Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen meatloaf stays delicious for up to 3 months.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out and maintain the juicy, tender texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

All the Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

• Ground Turkey: Select fresh, lean meat with minimal fat for a healthier meatloaf texture.

• Plain Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Choose fine breadcrumbs for smooth consistency and fresh eggs for better binding.

• Onions, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Pick sweet yellow onions and fresh thyme for robust aromatic profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Opt for high-quality, aged sauce to add deep umami complexity.
• Tomato Paste: Select rich, concentrated paste for intense tangy undertones.

• Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium, homemade or premium store-bought stock for richer flavor.

• Ketchup: Choose classic, tangy varieties with balanced sweetness and acidity.

Kitchen Gear for Ina’s Flavorful Turkey Meatloaf

• Oven: Essential for baking the meatloaf to golden perfection.
• Medium pan: Perfect for sautéing onions and creating flavor base.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
• Ungreased baking sheet: Helps shape and cook the meatloaf evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning and sauce quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatloaf reaches safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping and slicing after cooking.

How to Bake a Juicy Turkey Meatloaf, the Ina Way

• Fire Up the Oven Prepare a cozy cooking environment by warming the oven to a toasty 325°F, creating the perfect backdrop for your culinary adventure.
• Caramelize Onion Foundations Sauté chopped onions in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and thyme. Gently cook until they transform into soft, golden treasures, releasing their sweet essence and developing deep, rich flavors.
• Create Flavor Symphony Blend Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste into a harmonious mixture that will elevate the entire dish. Allow the magical concoction to cool and meld its intricate flavors.
• Craft the Meatloaf Masterpiece In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Fold ingredients together with loving care, ensuring every bite will be perfectly balanced and deliciously integrated.
• Shape and Top the Loaf Mold the turkey mixture into a beautiful rectangular loaf on a baking sheet, creating an even surface. Generously paint the top with a luscious layer of ketchup, adding a tangy and vibrant finish.
• Bake to Delicious Perfection Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and let it transform for about 1.5 hours. Pro tip: Place a water pan underneath to keep the meat impossibly moist and tender. Confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Rest and Savor Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly, letting its juices redistribute. Slice and serve this comforting classic hot, or save some for mouthwatering sandwiches later – a true crowd-pleaser that promises pure culinary joy.

Ina Garten’s Tricks to Enhance Her Turkey Meatloaf

Explore exciting flavor twists and smart cooking strategies to elevate this classic dish.

Replace ground turkey with lean ground chicken, beef, or a plant-based alternative for different taste profiles and nutritional variety.

Finely grate carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat mixture to boost nutrition, add moisture, and create hidden veggie goodness kids will love.

Experiment with global seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, Italian herbs, or chipotle powder to transform the traditional recipe into an international culinary experience.

Prepare the entire meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor development.

Presenting Ina’s Turkey Meatloaf with Style

• Plate with Colorful Sides: Serve this juicy turkey meatloaf alongside roasted green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bright garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Create Leftover Magic: Transform cold slices into delectable sandwiches with crisp lettuce, tangy mustard, and fresh bread for a quick lunch option.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the meatloaf's rich flavor.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the meatloaf with a light red wine like pinot noir or a crisp white wine such as sauvignon blanc to enhance the overall dining experience.

Hearty Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic turkey meatloaf offers a lean, flavorful twist on traditional comfort fare. Juicy ground turkey mingles with herbs and seasonings, creating a hearty main dish perfect for family dinners when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) ground turkey breast
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups plain dry bread crumbs
• 3 cups yellow onions, chopped (2 large onions)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tsps tomato paste
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• ¾ cup ketchup

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C) with a precise temperature calibration to ensure consistent heat distribution.
2. Aromatic Base: Gently sauté onions in olive oil over medium-low heat, infusing them with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook until softened and translucent, developing a rich flavor profile.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste to the caramelized onions. Blend thoroughly and allow the mixture to cool to ambient temperature, concentrating the savory elements.
4. Meatloaf Composition: In a spacious mixing bowl, merge ground turkey, plain breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs. Delicately fold in the cooled onion mixture, ensuring uniform ingredient integration.
5. Shaping and Glazing: Mold the meat mixture into a sleek rectangular form on an ungreased baking sheet, creating smooth edges for even cooking. Lavishly coat the surface with a vibrant ketchup glaze, adding moisture and depth of flavor.
6. Roasting Process: Position the meatloaf in the preheated oven, accompanied by a pan of hot water on the lower rack to maintain optimal moisture. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven. Slice and serve warm, or cool completely for versatile sandwich preparations.

Notes

• Caramelize Onions Carefully: Take time to slowly cook onions over medium-low heat, allowing natural sugars to develop rich flavor without burning.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm turkey reaches 160°F for safe consumption, preventing dryness and ensuring proper doneness.
• Moisture Retention Technique: Adding hot water pan during baking helps create humid environment, keeping meatloaf juicy and preventing surface from becoming tough.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow meatloaf to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing cleaner and more consistent.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg