Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey Meatloaf

This Turkey Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorsome dish infused with a delightful mix of fragrant herbs and smoky BBQ sauce. Paired with cannellini beans cooked in a zesty tomato base, it's a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.

Miscellaneous

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

45 min

Servings

4

Turkey Meatloaf is a lighter twist on a classic favorite, spotlighting lean turkey mince blended with aromatic sautéed onions and garlic. The Worcestershire sauce and tomato purée add a rich depth, while the coating of savory barbecue sauce infuses the loaf with a smoky sweetness as it bakes. Slowly cooking it creates a tender, juicy centerpiece that's both nutritious and satisfying. Originally commonplace as a means to use ground meats and stretch ingredients economically, meatloaf has evolved into a versatile dish with regional variations worldwide. This turkey version brings a contemporary, health-conscious approach without compromising on flavor. It's perfectly complemented by the cannellini bean mixture, which provides a creamy, protein-rich side infused with tangy tomato and BBQ undertones. Serve this meal alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner. The final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color, making the dish inviting and delightful. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe celebrates the humble loaf with a deliciously modern twist.

Ingredients

  • 1 tblsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 2 tblsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3 tsp Tomato Puree
  • 500 g Turkey Mince
  • 1 large Eggs
  • 85 g Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tblsp Barbeque Sauce
  • 800 g Cannellini Beans
  • 2 tblsp Parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) to prepare for the meatloaf baking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped large onion and cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent — this releases its natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base. Stir in the crushed garlic clove, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 teaspoons tomato purée. Mix well until all ingredients meld together, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool thoroughly; this helps prevent the egg in the mixture from cooking prematurely. In a spacious bowl, combine 500 grams of turkey mince, one large egg, 85 grams of breadcrumbs, and the cooled onion mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Mix everything thoroughly — a good tip is to use clean hands for even mixing and to avoid compacting the meat too much, ensuring a tender meatloaf. Shape the meat mixture into a neat rectangular loaf and place it into a large roasting tin. Brush the top with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, which will caramelize beautifully during baking. Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes as its flavors develop and the edges start to crisp slightly. While the meatloaf is in the oven, prepare the bean mixture: drain one can of cannellini beans thoroughly, then combine it with the contents of the second can in a large bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and 1 teaspoon of tomato purée, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Stir to blend the flavors. After the initial 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and scatter the sauced beans evenly around the loaf. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through—internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F)—and the beans are piping hot. Once cooked, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over both the meatloaf and beans to provide a fresh burst of flavor and a touch of vibrant green. Serve the meatloaf in thick, juicy slices alongside the beans. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp leaf salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
65 min
Servings
4

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