Joy Of Cooking Best Meatloaf Recipe

Hey there! I’m super excited to share this meatloaf recipe with you. Trust me, it’s so good you’ll want to make it all the time.

It’s called the Joy Of Cooking Best Meatloaf Recipe, and it’s really amazing.

So here’s what makes this meatloaf great. It’s soft and full of flavor, thanks to a mix of simple ingredients like ground turkey, brown sugar, and ketchup.

This easy meatloaf recipe gives you a tasty, classic dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s not just any meatloaf; it’s the best meatloaf recipe ever, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do!

How did I learn this dish?

I don’t know how I got so lucky to find this recipe, but I can tell you that making this meatloaf has been a real treat.

I remember when I first tried a simple meatloaf recipe—it was like discovering a new favorite dish. I think you’ll feel the same way!

Here’s a little story about how I learned this recipe. I was browsing through an old cookbook and came across a classic turkey meatloaf recipe.

It was an old family favorite that everyone enjoyed. It felt like I had found a special dish that could bring people together like I had found this Fresh Truffle Pasta.

Here are some interesting facts about this recipe:

• Historical Touch: Meatloaf became popular in America during the Great Depression because it helped use up leftovers.
  
  
• Modern Twist: Nowadays, people make many kinds of meatloaf, like keto meatloaf or vegan meatloaf, but the classic version is still loved by many.

So, if you try this easy meatloaf recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to share your thoughts and stories about it—let’s keep enjoying homemade meatloaf together!

Recipe

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food! This easy and delicious meatloaf recipe is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its amazing flavors and simplicity!

Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 300 per serving

Ingredients:

Ingredient for meat loaf:

Equipment:

Equipment used for meat loaf:

Method of Instruction

I’m excited to share how you can make this delicious turkey meatloaf! Let’s dive into the simple steps to get this meal on your table.

Step 1: Start by washing your hands. Clean hands are key to making sure everything turns out perfectly.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to warm up while you prepare your meatloaf.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground turkey with 1 cup of bread crumbs. This forms the base of your meatloaf.

Step 4: Add 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup of ketchup to the bowl. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. Make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 6: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan. Press it down gently so it’s packed evenly.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Once cooked, let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it stay together better when you cut it.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy! Feel free to share your thoughts on this easy meatloaf recipe. I think you’ll find it just as tasty as I do.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let’s keep cooking up a storm together!

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Recipe Video

How to make meatloaf moist and tender

This is the video about how to make best meatloaf ever! will knock your socks off at home.

Author: Certified Angus Beef ®

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 379 reviews.

Servings

I don’t know about you, but I’m always excited to find new ways to serve meatloaf. It feels like a fun challenge to take a classic dish and give it a little twist. I’ve come up with some ideas that I think you’ll enjoy as much as I do. Let’s dive into these creative serving ideas!

1. My Meatloaf Sandwich

I love turning my turkey meatloaf into a delicious sandwich. I slice the meatloaf and put it between bread with some lettuce, tomato, and a touch of mustard. It’s a simple and tasty lunch that always hits the spot.

2. Mini Meatloaf Muffins

I think making mini meatloaf muffins is a fun twist. I shape the meatloaf into small muffin-sized portions and bake them in a muffin tin. They’re perfect for kids or for grabbing on the go.

3. Meatloaf Tacos, Anyone?

I’ve discovered that crumbling meatloaf into taco shells is a great idea. I add salsa, cheese, and avocado on top. It’s a fun way to change up taco night and make it extra special.

4. Meatloaf on Mashed Potatoes

I find that serving meatloaf on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes makes a hearty meal. The meatloaf and potatoes together are so comforting and filling.

5. Meatloaf with a Side of Veggies

I like to serve my meatloaf with roasted or steamed vegetables. It’s an easy way to add some greens and make the meal more balanced.

6. My Meatloaf Pizza

I love turning meatloaf into a pizza topping. I spread tomato sauce on a pizza crust, sprinkle crumbled meatloaf on top, and add cheese. Baking it until the cheese is bubbly is pure magic.

7. Meatloaf Salad Surprise

I think adding chunks of meatloaf to a fresh salad is a great idea. I toss the meatloaf with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of dressing. It makes for a filling and tasty salad.

8. Meatloaf Wraps

I enjoy wrapping slices of meatloaf in a tortilla with some veggies and a bit of ranch or barbecue sauce. It’s an easy and tasty meal that I can take with me.

9. Meatloaf Pasta Bake

I’ve found that mixing meatloaf into a pasta bake is a hit. I add chunks of meatloaf to pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish.

10. Meatloaf Soup

I like to chop up meatloaf and add it to a pot of vegetable or tomato soup. It turns into a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

I hope these ideas make serving your turkey meatloaf more exciting and delicious. Feel free to try them out and let me know which one you like best!

Tips

I’ve gathered some handy tips to make your turkey meatloaf recipe even better. These are simple tricks that can help you get the most out of your meatloaf. Let’s dive into them!

Getting the Right Mix

I think using a good meatloaf mix is key. For a classic turkey meatloaf recipe, mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs and eggs to keep it moist. It helps bind the meatloaf together and gives it a nice texture.

Keep It Moist

My trick for a moist turkey meatloaf is adding a bit of milk or broth to the mix. This keeps the meatloaf from drying out while baking and makes it super juicy.

Add Flavor with Seasoning

I love using meatloaf seasoning to add extra flavor. You can use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or even try a pre-made seasoning mix for a quick and easy option.

Use Lean Ground Turkey

I prefer using lean ground turkey for a healthier meatloaf. It still gives you the best meatloaf recipe ever while cutting down on fat. Just be sure to watch the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.

Mix Well, But Don’t Overdo It

I find that mixing the meatloaf ingredients just until combined is best. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf tough. Keep it gentle for a tender result.

Shape It Right

I like to shape my turkey loaf recipe into a nice, even loaf. This helps it cook evenly. For a classic meatloaf recipe, aim for a loaf that’s about 2 inches high.

Try a Meatloaf Pan

Using a meatloaf pan can help cook the meatloaf evenly. The pan allows fat to drain away, which can help prevent a greasy meatloaf.

Add a Tasty Glaze

My favorite way to top a meatloaf is with a simple glaze. Mix ketchup with a bit of brown sugar and brush it on before baking. It adds a sweet and tangy finish.

Cool Before Slicing

I think letting the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before slicing helps it hold together better. This makes serving easier and keeps everything in place.

Freeze for Later

I love making extra and freezing some for later. Just wrap the leftover meatloaf tightly and freeze. You can reheat it for a quick and tasty meal.

Try these tips to make your turkey meatloaf even better. I hope they help you create a delicious and memorable dish!

Ingredient Substitutes

I don’t know how many times I’ve experimented with different ingredients for my turkey meatloaf recipe, but I can tell you that making swaps can really change the dish. Here are some fun and easy ideas to try!

Swap for a Healthier Twist

I think using ground turkey is great, but you can also go for lean beef if you like. It adds a different flavor and still keeps your meatloaf moist and delicious.

Try an Alternative to Bread Crumbs

My go-to is usually breadcrumbs, but you can use crushed oats or even ground almonds for a tasty twist. They work well to keep your simple meatloaf recipe together.

Opt for a Milk Replacement

If you need to skip milk, I like using almond milk or soy milk. They keep the turkey meatloaf moist without changing the flavor too much.

Choose a Different Egg Replacement

I think flaxseed meal mixed with water is a great alternative if you’re avoiding eggs. It helps bind the meatloaf mix just like eggs do.

Experiment with Meatloaf Seasoning

I love traditional meatloaf seasoning, but you can mix it up with herbs like thyme or rosemary. It adds a fresh twist to your basic meatloaf recipe.

Add a Flavor Boost with Sauces

My favorite substitution is using a mix of barbecue sauce or sriracha in place of ketchup for a unique flavor. It’s a fun way to switch up the glaze on your turkey loaf recipe.

Use Gluten-Free Options

If you’re looking for gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes. They work well in place of regular breadcrumbs in your easy meatloaf recipe.

Go Vegan for a Plant-Based Version

I think vegan meatloaf is a fantastic option. Use mashed beans or lentils instead of ground turkey. It’s a great way to enjoy a meatloaf mix without the meat.

Replace with Dairy-Free Cheese

For a dairy-free twist, I love using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. It adds a cheesy flavor to your homemade meatloaf.

Switch to Low-Sodium Options

If you want a lower sodium option, try using low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce in your meatloaf seasoning. It keeps the flavor without the extra salt.

I hope these swaps make your turkey meatloaf recipe even more enjoyable. Try them out and see which ones you like best!

FAQ’S

What is the secret to a great meat loaf?

The secret is using a mix of meats and adding flavorful ingredients like onions and spices for a juicy, delicious result.

What is the secret to keeping meatloaf moist?

Adding moisture-rich ingredients like eggs, milk, or even vegetables helps keep the meatloaf moist.

How to make an English meat loaf?

An English meat loaf often includes ingredients like beef, pork, and a blend of herbs, and is baked in a loaf pan.

What is the basic meatloaf formula with ketchup?

The basic formula combines ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and ketchup for the topping or mixed in for flavor.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?

Eggs and breadcrumbs or oats help bind the meatloaf together and prevent it from falling apart.

What to use instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf?

You can use crushed oats, ground almonds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as alternatives to traditional breadcrumbs.

What not to put in meatloaf?

Avoid adding too much liquid or overly greasy meats as they can make the meatloaf soggy.

Why milk instead of water in meatloaf?

Milk adds richness and helps to keep the meatloaf moist, whereas water can dilute the flavor.

How to thicken meatloaf?

Add more breadcrumbs, oats, or ground flaxseed to thicken the mixture and help it hold its shape.

What ingredients for meat loaf?

Essential ingredients include ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs or oats, seasoning, and sometimes vegetables or a topping like ketchup.

What goes best with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side salad are classic and delicious sides that pair well with meatloaf.

How was meatloaf originally made?

Meatloaf was originally made by combining ground meat with fillers like breadcrumbs and eggs, then baking it in a loaf shape.

Remarks

This meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Enjoy every bite, and remember, good food brings us all a little closer together!