Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 egg; 0.25 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 0.5 clove garlic, minced; 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste; 0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 2 cups tomato sauce, divided

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce

This classic meatloaf recipe is made with ground turkey and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Its easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner!

Ingredients (for 6 servings)

1 pound ground turkey
1 egg
cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
clove garlic, minced
teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 cups tomato sauce, divided
Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well until fully combined.
Shape the mixture: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared baking dish.
Bake the meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce: After 40 minutes, spoon about half of the tomato sauce over the meatloaf. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check it should read at least 160F (70C) in the center.
Rest the meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and makes slicing easier.
Warm the remaining tomato sauce: While the meatloaf rests, heat the remaining tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with the warm tomato sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 163 kcal
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 87mg
Sodium: 651mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 41mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 437mg

Servings per recipe: 6

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your specific calorie needs.

Recipe Author: PattiMcQ

History and Origin of Meatloaf

Meatloaf, a classic American dish, has been a staple in kitchens for centuries. Its roots trace back to European meatloaf variations, such as the German "frikadellen" and the French "pain de viande." The dish was popularized in the United States during the 19th century as a way to make inexpensive cuts of meat stretch further. Over time, regional variations emerged, with each area adding its unique touch. The Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf takes this traditional comfort food and infuses it with the flavors of Italy, incorporating Italian bread crumbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning to create a fragrant, savory dish.

Regional Differences and Italian Influence

In Italy, meatloaf isn't quite as common as in the U.S., but similar dishes like "polpettone" (Italian meatloaf) exist. Polpettone is typically made with ground beef or veal and often stuffed with cheese or vegetables. The addition of ingredients like Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomato sauce in this recipe gives it a distinct Italian flair, making it a fusion of American comfort food with Italian flavors. Regional variations of meatloaf across Italy might also incorporate herbs like basil, oregano, and fresh tomatoes, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of the country.

How This Recipe Differs From Other Meatloafs

The Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf stands out from other meatloaf recipes due to its use of ground turkey as the base. While classic American meatloaf often uses beef or pork, turkey is a leaner alternative, making this recipe a lighter option. Furthermore, the Italian seasoning and tomato sauce not only give it an Italian twist but also enhance its flavor with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. The addition of bread crumbs seasoned with Italian herbs imparts an additional layer of flavor, setting it apart from more traditional, plain meatloafs.

Where is it Usually Served?

While meatloaf is a common comfort food in households across the U.S., the Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf is typically served in casual settings like family dinners, weeknight meals, or even as a meal prep option. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. In some regions of Italy, variations of meatloaf or "polpettone" are served during special occasions, typically accompanied by pasta or a hearty vegetable stew. The addition of Italian tomato sauce makes it an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes as well, making it a versatile option for different courses.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

In the U.S., meatloaf became popular during the Great Depression, as it was a cost-effective way to feed large families using inexpensive cuts of meat.
The "loaf" shape of meatloaf allows it to cook evenly and be easily sliced, making it perfect for portioning and serving to guests or family members.
Meatloaf is often served as leftovers in sandwiches, and many people enjoy it the next day cold or reheated for a quick meal.
In some cultures, meatloaf is a celebratory dish, with people adding special ingredients or preparing large batches for gatherings.

Conclusion

Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf is a delightful fusion of classic American comfort food and vibrant Italian flavors. It offers a lighter alternative to traditional meatloaf while still delivering a rich, savory taste thats perfect for family meals or gatherings. Whether served with pasta, potatoes, or a side salad, this recipe provides an easy and flavorful dish thats sure to become a family favorite.

FAQ about Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for the ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture and overall result should be similar.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it the next day as instructed. This can save time on busy days.

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Yes, you can use other types of bread crumbs, such as plain or gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also use panko for a crunchier texture, though the flavor may be slightly different.

If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made herb blend like Herbes de Provence.

The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf. It should read at least 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut into the center to check if it's no longer pink.

This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even a side of pasta. You can also serve it with some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Yes, you can cook this meatloaf in a slow cooker. Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

You can substitute tomato sauce with marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even ketchup if you prefer a sweeter flavor. You could also use BBQ sauce for a different twist.

Comments

Brenda Nguyen

08/27/2024 11:17:11 PM

I tried out the recipe exactly as it was written, and it turned out to be incredibly easy and a huge success - a fantastic combination! It was so good that when I spotted ground turkey on sale again, I prepared three portions, each in its own freezer bag, to have convenient weeknight dinners ready to go - simply thaw and bake. Thanks for adding to my collection of freezer-friendly meals!

Elizabeth Brown

04/26/2023 12:00:12 PM

I have prepared this recipe multiple times before, but this time I decided to give it a twist, and it turned out fantastic! Instead of using regular tomato sauce, I opted for a 24 oz. bottle of Rinaldi Pasta Sauce with garlic and onion flavors in a chunky style. I used one cup of the sauce in the meatloaf mixture and heated the rest separately. As a side dish, I prepared plain bowtie pasta, tossing it in part of the sauce and reserving another cup to add to the meatloaf. To finish, we topped both the pasta and the meatloaf with grated Parmesan cheese. The only change I might consider for next time is starting the meal with a Caesar Salad!

Robert Baker

09/03/2024 11:07:44 PM

I needed a simple Meatloaf recipe, so I tried this one and made some modifications. I used a mixture of 1/2 lb. ground beef and 1/2 lb. ground turkey. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, I opted for 1/4 cup of Gluten Free Italian breadcrumbs. For the seasoning, I substituted Italian seasoning with 1/2 tsp parsley flakes, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp rosemary, and 1/4 tsp oregano. Since I was out of garlic, I used 1 tsp of garlic powder. I followed the recipe for black pepper and salt. As I didn't have tomato sauce, I used ketchup on top and diluted the remaining ketchup with water to create a sauce for after it was cooked. The taste turned out fantastic. Next time, I might add more breadcrumbs and increase the meat to 1 1/2 lbs. We have leftovers, and my husband suggested adding Worcestershire sauce to the sauce on top.

Carolyn Thomas

05/15/2023 02:31:33 PM

This dish was absolutely fantastic! The second time I prepared it, I made a few additions such as white wine, butter, garlic seasoning, and my homemade two-day spaghetti sauce with thin noodles. I transformed it into meatballs instead of a meatloaf, and it worked like a charm – my teenage children tried it without any complaints! Although I still need to work on getting them to eat more gracefully, they definitely enjoyed it and there were no leftovers. Teenager approved!

Scott Clark

12/21/2022 06:17:20 PM

Cooking a meatloaf with 1 lb of turkey for 40 minutes is excessively long. I should have recalled that 30 minutes is sufficient for that amount. I will give it another try, but this particular batch turned out to be too dense and had to be discarded. Disappointing. Nevertheless, there is promise for improvement.

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf Recipe