Savory Turkey & Beef Meatloaf and Meatballs with Rich Gravy
Indulge in this delicious and nutritious recipe that brings together lean ground turkey and 90% lean ground beef for a healthy twist on classic comfort food. This dish yields two meals plus leftovers, perfect for busy weeknights. The turkey provides a low-fat option, while the beef maintains a moist texture, ensuring that you won't even notice the turkey's presence. Ideal for families where meatloaf might not always be a favorite—transform the mixture into tender meatballs that will disappear before your eyes. Serve it alongside a rich homemade gravy for a hearty experience that pleases everyone at the table.
10-12
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Breast
1 1/4 lbs (raw)
90% Lean Ground Beef
1 1/4 lbs (raw)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (dry)
Dry Breadcrumbs
1 cup (preferably unseasoned)
1% Low-Fat Milk
1/2 cup (liquid)
Brown Gravy Mix
1 (7/8 ounce) envelope (dry)
Cold Black Coffee
1/4 cup (liquid)
Water
1 cup (liquid)
Instructions
1
Position the oven racks near the center to allow room for two jelly roll pans.
2
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two jelly roll pans with foil and spray them with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, ground beef, eggs, dry onion soup mix, dry breadcrumbs, and low-fat milk. Ensure the mixture is well blended without any visible streaks of turkey or beef. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed works well for this task.
4
You can shape the mixture into either one large meatloaf and meatballs, or all meatballs, or even two meatloaves as you prefer. For the meatloaf, form it directly on the jelly roll pan into an oval shape about 3 inches high. Avoid using a loaf pan as it will create a steamed texture instead of a nice crust.
5
Spray the top and sides of the meatloaf with cooking spray.
6
Place the meatloaf in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 375°F. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F verified with a meat thermometer. Remember that poultry must be cooked well.
7
Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven, transfer it onto a platter, slice, and serve with gravy.
8
To freeze, slice the meatloaf and allow it to cool. Wrap individual slices tightly and store in the freezer. Thaw before reheating.
9
While the meatloaf is baking, take the remaining meat mixture and shape it into 1-inch meatballs using a small ice cream scoop for uniformity. Place the meatballs on an additional jelly roll pan, spray with cooking oil spray, and bake for 30-40 minutes, turning them halfway through at the 20-minute mark. Check for doneness with a thermometer; they should also reach 160°F.
10
Once the meatballs are cooked, freeze them on the pan. After freezing, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for later use.
11
To serve, prepare the gravy by combining the gravy mix, cold black coffee, and one cup of water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened.
12
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add frozen meatballs and simmer for 7-10 minutes, then drain and add to the warmed gravy. Serve with noodles for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
13
Fat
15
Carbs
27
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein blend in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey breast and 1 1/4 lbs 90% lean ground beef.
How many meals does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield two meals plus leftovers, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Why are turkey and beef mixed together?
The turkey provides a low-fat, healthy protein option, while the lean beef ensures the meatloaf maintains a moist texture and classic flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to initially?
Preheat the oven to 450°F before placing the meatloaf inside.
At what temperature do you bake the meatloaf after it is in the oven?
Immediately after placing the meatloaf in the oven, reduce the temperature from 450°F to 375°F.
Should I use a loaf pan for this meatloaf?
No, it is recommended to shape the meatloaf on a jelly roll pan to create a nice crust rather than a steamed texture.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatloaf?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure the poultry is cooked safely.
How long should the meatloaf bake?
The meatloaf typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes to reach the required internal temperature.
How do I prepare the pans for baking?
Line two jelly roll pans with foil and spray them with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
What size should I make the meatballs?
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Using a small ice cream scoop can help ensure uniformity.
How long do the meatballs take to bake?
Meatballs should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through at the 20-minute mark.
Can I use a stand mixer to blend the ingredients?
Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed works well to ensure the turkey and beef are thoroughly combined.
What liquid ingredients are added to the meat mixture?
The mixture requires 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of 1% low-fat milk.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs, preferably unseasoned.
How do I make the rich gravy?
Combine one envelope of brown gravy mix, 1/4 cup of cold black coffee, and 1 cup of water; boil then simmer until thickened.
Why is coffee used in the gravy?
Cold black coffee is used to add depth and a rich color to the homemade gravy.
What is the best way to freeze the meatloaf?
Slice the meatloaf, allow it to cool, and wrap individual slices tightly before storing them in the freezer.
How should I store the meatballs in the freezer?
Freeze the meatballs directly on the pan first, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for long-term storage.
How do I reheat frozen meatballs for a meal?
Bring a pot of water to a boil, simmer the frozen meatballs for 7-10 minutes, drain them, and then add them to warmed gravy.
What should I serve with the meatballs and gravy?
The recipe suggests serving the meatballs and gravy over noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
What provides the seasoning for the meat mixture?
One envelope of dry onion soup mix provides the primary seasoning for the meat.
How high should I shape the meatloaf oval?
The meatloaf should be shaped into an oval approximately 3 inches high.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 to 12 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 27 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 13 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data does not specify a sugar content; it is listed as null.
Can I make this as two separate meatloaves?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into one meatloaf and meatballs, all meatballs, or two separate meatloaves.
Where should the oven racks be placed?
Position the oven racks near the center to allow enough room for two jelly roll pans to bake simultaneously.