If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the best of two classic favorites together, you have to try this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe. It’s the perfect twist on traditional meatloaf, combining juicy ground turkey and pork with the herby, savory goodness of stuffing mix. This recipe packs warm autumnal herbs and a sweet-savory glaze in every bite, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you try this, it’s going to become one of your all-time favorites, just trust me!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe lies in its simple yet hearty ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Every element, from the fresh vegetables to the fragrant herbs and the sweet glaze, plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Aromatic and slightly sweet, it forms the flavor base alongside celery and garlic.
- Celery stalks, finely chopped: Provides a fresh crunch and an earthy depth to the meatloaf mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a savory sharpness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Ground turkey: Lean and tender, it keeps the meatloaf moist while giving it a mild, versatile taste.
- Ground pork: Adds extra juiciness and richness to balance the lean turkey perfectly.
- Stuffing mix (dry): Gives the meatloaf a wonderful texture and infuses traditional stuffing flavors throughout.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the meatloaf moist and helps bind the stuffing mix without making it soggy.
- Large egg: Acts as a natural binder, keeping the meatloaf together when baking.
- Dried sage, thyme, and rosemary: Classic fall herbs that add a fragrant, woodsy note reminiscent of holiday stuffing.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Ketchup: Forms the base of the glaze, lending tanginess and moisture on top.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the herbs and ketchup in the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle bite and helps the glaze set with a nice tangy finish.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures your meatloaf will come out cleanly and bake evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes, letting their natural sugars caramelize just enough to add sweetness. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute to release its fragrant aroma. Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool slightly—this cool down prevents the egg in your mixture from cooking prematurely.
Step 3: Combine Meat and Stuffing Mix
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, ground pork, your dry stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Crack in the egg and sprinkle the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Add the sautéed veggies and garlic, then use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything gently until evenly combined. The mixture should look cohesive but avoid overmixing so it stays tender.
Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape using your hands, then place it on the prepared baking surface or directly into your loaf pan. Press gently to smooth the top and edges for an even bake and beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, giving it a glossy finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the turkey is safely cooked but the loaf remains juicy and tender.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
When the timer goes off, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, making each slice perfectly moist and flavorful when plated.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top looks stunning and adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the savory meatloaf. You can also serve with a side drizzle of pan juices or extra glaze to keep things luscious.
Side Dishes
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted autumn vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney also make excellent companions, echoing the dish’s warm holiday vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this meatloaf alongside warm biscuits or inside a soft sandwich bun with crisp lettuce and a smear of mayo for a hearty, delicious lunch. Leftover slices can even be cubed and tossed into a savory breakfast hash with eggs and herbs for a new twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, let any leftovers cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your turkey stuffing meatloaf will keep well for up to 3-4 days, perfect for future easy meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even later, this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat slices gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or warm in the microwave on a medium setting. Adding a little extra glaze or broth before heating helps keep every bite moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use all ground turkey instead of mixing with pork?
Yes, you can substitute all ground turkey if you prefer a leaner version. Keep in mind that the meatloaf might be a bit less juicy, so consider adding a little extra broth or a touch of olive oil to maintain moisture.
What if I don’t have dry stuffing mix?
If you don’t have stuffing mix, try using seasoned breadcrumbs or homemade bread cubes toasted with your favorite herbs. This will still provide that crave-worthy texture and flavor within the meatloaf.
Can I prepare this meatloaf the day before baking?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the loaf ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just add the glaze before baking the next day for the freshest finish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe is fantastic for meal prep because it keeps well and freezes nicely. Portion out slices for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), the meatloaf is perfectly cooked, safe, and juicy—it’s the golden rule for turkey dishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe that feels cozy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor all at once. It brings together the heartiness of meatloaf with the familiarity of classic stuffing, giving you a dish that’s satisfying and memorable every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner in this beautiful, savory loaf.
Print
Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf combining ground turkey and pork with classic stuffing ingredients and aromatic herbs, topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this meatloaf offers a moist texture and rich taste.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup stuffing mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, ground pork, dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Incorporate the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together gently but thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it onto the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Spread this glaze uniformly over the top surface of the meatloaf to add a sweet tangy flavor and attractive finish.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender meatloaf.
Notes
- You can use either a loaf pan or a baking sheet depending on your preference; baking sheets yield a crustier exterior.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- The glaze adds sweetness and moisture, but you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness to avoid over or undercooking.
- Leftover meatloaf slices are great for sandwiches the next day.
