Calling all parents looking for a kid-friendly dinner recipe that's both healthy and delicious! This Italian Turkey Meatloaf is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Made with ground turkey, veggies, and Italian seasonings, this meatloaf is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. Plus, it's topped with a tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese, making it irresistible to kids and adults alike. Serve it with a side of pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
In addition to the main Italian Turkey Meatloaf recipe, the article also includes two additional meatloaf recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters:
1. **Cheesy Broccoli Turkey Meatloaf**: This meatloaf is loaded with broccoli, cheese, and Italian seasonings. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables without a fuss.
2. **Zesty Salsa Turkey Meatloaf**: This recipe combines ground turkey, salsa, and Mexican spices for a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf. It's perfect for a Tex-Mex-inspired dinner.
With these three kid-friendly Italian-inspired meatloaf recipes, you'll have a go-to meal that the whole family will love. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make some delicious memories in the kitchen!
KID FRIENDLY MEATLOAF
As a kid, I loved my Grandma's meatloaf but quickly learned that not all meatloaf is created the same - others were dry, musty smelling, or had large pieces of things I didn't like (onions or peppers for instance). I started with my Grandma's recipe and tweaked it with my kids giving reviews. I learned that musty smell was from too much sage so be careful with that. The real secrets here though are the shape and size - cake shaped rather than loaf shaped allows the center to cook without overcooking or drying the outer area; and, mincing the onions so they are not so visible after cooking (a good trick for all recipes when dealing with kids). Feel free to add your own spicing touches - so long as you keep the shape and the ketchup glaze this recipe is guaranteed to stay moist and never need a sauce!
Provided by Jackie Babs
Categories Meat
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 Set aside 2/3 cup of the ketchup Place remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl, adding the milk last, and mix/knead with hands until mixture appears uniform.
- Do NOT use a loafpan or shape into bread loaf.
- Place meatloaf in an ungreased 9 x 9in.
- square cake pan and shape into 8 x 8in.
- square (you should have 1in. between meat and pan on all sides).
- Spread remaining 2/3 cup ketchup over top of meatloaf.
- Bake UNCOVERED for 65-75 mins.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.7, Fat 15.8, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 85.3, Sodium 851.8, Carbohydrate 19.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 7.6, Protein 19.5
KID-FRIENDLY ITALIAN TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is a delicious alternative to traditional meatloaf that tastes like meatballs and is very kid-friendly! Serve with pasta or mashed potatoes. You can also serve extra marinara on the side.
Provided by Kathryn
Categories Turkey Meatloaf
Time 1h40m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, being careful to avoid burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Whisk basil, eggs, and parsley together in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.
- Combine ground turkey, Italian sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian cheese blend, 2 tablespoons oil, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Add cooked onion mixture and egg mixture and mix using your hands until completely mixed together.
- Shape meat mixture into a large loaf in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour marinara sauce on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 492.8 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 155 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 36.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 1303.7 mg, Sugar 6.8 g
Tips:
- Choose lean ground turkey: This will help keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the meatloaf.
- Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan: This will help it hold its shape while baking.
- Baste the meatloaf with sauce during baking: This will help keep it moist and flavorful.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: This will help it hold its shape and make it easier to slice.
Conclusion:
This kid-friendly Italian turkey meatloaf is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your child's preferences. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
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