Festive Turkey Shaped Meatloaf
This delightful Festive Turkey Shaped Meatloaf is a unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare. Combining the flavors and aromas of the holiday season, this dish brings together juicy ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and a hint of sweetness from canned cranberries. The meatloaf is creatively shaped like a turkey, making it a fun centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. Serve it with the accompanying cranberry-ketchup glaze for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, this meatloaf is not only delicious but also a memorable addition to your holiday festivities.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
seasoned stuffing mix
1 cup (none)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
large egg
1 (beaten)
onion
1 (diced)
celery
1 (diced)
carrot
1 (shredded)
rosemary
3 teaspoons (chopped)
sage
3 teaspoons (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
ground turkey
2 1/2 lbs (none)
canned cranberries
1/2 cup (drained)
ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned stuffing mix, milk, and egg. Stir until well combined.
3
Add the diced onion, diced celery, shredded carrot, rosemary, sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently combine, being careful not to overmix.
5
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, mold the turkey-shaped meatloaf by forming the turkey's body, wings, and legs.
6
In a separate small bowl, create the sauce by mixing together the canned cranberries, ketchup, hot sauce, chopped rosemary, and sage.
7
Spread a thick layer of the sauce over the entire turkey-shaped meatloaf, ensuring it's well covered.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9
Once baked, garnish with decorative Thanksgiving elements such as lemon slices, fresh sage leaves, whole rosemary sprigs, or cranberries for a festive touch before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Turkey Shaped Meatloaf?
It is a unique Thanksgiving-themed dish made from ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and stuffing, creatively molded into the shape of a turkey.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 50 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey meatloaf?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
What ingredients are used for the cranberry-ketchup glaze?
The glaze consists of canned cranberries, ketchup, hot sauce, chopped rosemary, and chopped sage.
How do I shape the meatloaf like a turkey?
Mold the meat mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet by forming a main body, wings, and legs.
What vegetables are included in the meatloaf mixture?
The recipe includes diced onion, diced celery, and shredded carrot.
Which herbs give the meatloaf its holiday aroma?
Rosemary and sage are used in both the meatloaf and the glaze.
What type of stuffing is used in this recipe?
One cup of seasoned stuffing mix is used as a binder.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Yes, a parchment-lined baking sheet is recommended for molding and baking the meatloaf.
How much ground turkey is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of ground turkey.
How is the egg prepared before adding it to the mix?
One large egg should be beaten before being combined with the other ingredients.
Is the meatloaf spicy?
It contains 1/8 teaspoon of hot sauce in the glaze, providing a hint of heat without being overly spicy.
How should I garnish the finished dish?
You can garnish with lemon slices, fresh sage leaves, whole rosemary sprigs, or additional cranberries.
What is the purpose of the milk in the recipe?
Milk is combined with the stuffing mix and egg to help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist.
Should the canned cranberries be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of drained canned cranberries.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste.
Can I overmix the meatloaf?
It is recommended to gently combine the ingredients and be careful not to overmix to maintain a good texture.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is designed specifically as a festive centerpiece for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
How much rosemary and sage are in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture uses 3 teaspoons of chopped rosemary and 3 teaspoons of chopped sage.
What is the order of mixing the ingredients?
First combine stuffing, milk, and egg; then add vegetables and herbs; and finally gently mix in the ground turkey.
How is the glaze applied?
Spread a thick layer of the cranberry-ketchup sauce over the entire shaped meatloaf before baking.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The provided data does not list specific nutritional values such as fiber or calories.
What size of onion and celery should be used?
One whole onion and one stalk of celery, both diced, are used.
What type of carrot preparation is required?
The carrot should be shredded before being added to the mixture.
Is the ketchup mixed with the meat?
No, the ketchup is part of the external sauce/glaze.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include thanksgiving, turkey, meatloaf, holiday recipe, comfort food, and festive meal.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, the fun turkey shape makes it a kid-friendly and engaging holiday dish.
Can I use this as a main course?
Absolutely, it is intended to be a festive centerpiece and main course for holiday meals.