Meatloaf is one of those foods that is often overlooked in my kitchen. I have nothing against it. In fact, I quite like it. I just don’t usually think to make it, and it doesn’t make its way into the weekly menu very often.
A few weeks ago, though, my mom mentioned that she had made meatloaf over the weekend so that she had it for dinner during the week, and a lightbulb went off in my head. Meatloaf really is an easy meal to make during the week. It can be prepared the night before (or even two or three days before) and just popped in the oven before dinner.
So, I decided that I would make some meatloaf, too. Instead of my usual meatloaf, though, I decided to make a turkey meatloaf with lean ground turkey that happened to be on sale at the store that week. Since I didn’t want the meatloaf to be lacking in flavor, I decided to give it an extra boost with some of my favorite Italian ingredients.
It was quick and easy to mix up, and it stayed nice and moist when it was baked. I served it with a green salad and some of the garlic bubble loaf I shared last week. Both my hubby and I enjoyed the Italian twist on traditional meatloaf dinner. I may even be adding meatloaf to the weekly menu a bit more frequently!
Italian Turkey Meatloaf
(Makes about 8 – 10 servings)
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated grana padano cheese
(or your favorite variety of parmesan) - 1 cup marinara sauce, divided
- 2 eggs
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish (about 9 by 13-inch) and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, grana padano cheese, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, eggs, onion, and garlic. Gently mix with your (clean) hands to evenly incorporate all of the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape into a long loaf. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until the temperature in the middle of the loaf reaches 165°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes prior to slicing and serving.
This sounds awesome! I adore meatloaf!
Meatloaf is one meal I make perhaps once in a blue moon, even though my husband really enjoys it. This Italian Turkey Meatloaf certainly is a lovely change-up from the regular ground-beef.
We love meatloaf, it really is a super easy weeknight meal. I always make ours with ground turkey too, so I’ll definitely have to give your version a shot. Sound delicious!
Some people have a weird thing with meatloaf… but I used to love it as a kid. I don’t make it now, but I certainly have a special place in my heart for it.
Yummy! This makes me think of a giant, spicy Italian meatball :) I never liked meatloaf as a kid, because my mom always used ground beef and didn’t season it very well – bland. Now that I know there are endless possibilities with different meats and seasonings (and now that I have kids and need easy, fast dinners), I’m a big fan of meatloaf. I’ll definitely have to give this a try!
You hit the nail on the head with this one Jenn..it’s something I love too but seldom make and every time I do I wonder why..or rather why not! I know how much I love sandwiches from leftovers and I can only imagine how good these would be; I’ll have to try your Italian version stat!
My family loves meat loaf. I haven’t made it in a while, though, so I’ll make this version next – AND your garlic bubble loaf! thanks!
This looks delicious – we’re big fans of meatloaf around here!
I LOVE meatloaf, and certainly like the idea of this one made with turkey!