Best Ever Meatloaf
This is my turkey meatloaf, You can also do this recipe with beef, but since ground turkey is less expensive for me at my store, we are eating lots of ground turkey right now. This meatloaf is full of vegetables to add extra moisture to the lean turkey. It also makes it healthier. My husband despises the traditional ketchup and brown sugar meatloaf topping, so I dreamed up this sauce. The sauce is tomato based, but not sweet. This is a delicious flavorful, tangy tomato sauce that adds another layer of flavor to the meatloaf.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 1/2 lb. ground turkey or beef
- 1 large vidalia onion, or other sweet onion
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 3 stalks celery
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped cremini or button mushrooms
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices bread, chopped very finely, or put in the food processor
- 2 tablespoons southern spice blend which consists of:
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Sauce
- 1 medium vidalia onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced crimini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small can tomato paste minus 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon southern spice blend, which consists of:
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup water
- Olive oil
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop all vegetables for the meatloaf very small, or pulse in a food processor. Add to a large bowl. Add meat, milk, bread, eggs, worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Either incorporate all ingredients well with your hands, or use a potato masher. Put meat mixture in a bread loaf pan, or you can shape in a loaf on a large cookie sheet. Cooking on the cookie sheet allows the fat to run away from the loaf.
- For the sauce, preheat a skillet. Drizzle with olive oil. Add onions and mushrooms. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and saute until tender. Add tomato paste, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, spices, and water. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let reduce and thicken until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
I’m old-fashioned about a spicy ketchup glaze on meatloaf, but your sauce sounds great. We’ll try it!
.-= The Random Gourmet´s last blog, Mean Greens =-.
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
@The Random Gourmet,
I like the traditional one too, but I am glad my husband didn’t, so that I could make this one
I’m glad you shared this recipe because ground turkey is cheaper for me too!
.-= Jessica´s last blog, No Knead Olive Bread =-.
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
@Jessica,
I love to save money, especially when your getting a healthier product!
That topping looks perfect. I hate the ketchup-y kind too. I’m bookmarking this.
-Kelly
.-= Kelly at Crock Tease´s last blog, Slow Cooker Risotto with Fresh Tuna and Basil =-.
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
@Kelly at Crock Tease,
Thanks Kelly!
We as canucks, winter in Az, and have found they almost give away ground turkey compared to prices up here in the hinterland. We will definitely be trying this recipe, in the fall. Tell me now just how dry iz it? we have found ev eryu turkey we have ever made thus far dry as dust.
thanx watcher
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
@watcher,
I did not find it dry at all, I baked it in a loaf pan, and I had to drain the juices around it before cutting it. All the veggies, milk and bread really help to moisten it. I have also used yogurt in the past, but personally, I can’t tell a difference in moistness.
This looks healthy and delicious with turkey, and the sauce is a great alternative to Ketchup. I love the new site, love the colors
.-= Janice´s last blog, Greek Couscous Salad =-.
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
@Janice,
Thanks Janice
great recipe! thanks for sharing.
.-= Short and Bald´s last blog, Short’s Kitchen: Curry Fish Cutlet =-.
Angie replied: — August 25th, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
@Short and Bald,
thanks for your comments!
Very nice and creative meatloaf, well done!
.-= Mathilde’s Cuisine´s last blog, Savoir Vivre =-.
Wonderful sounding turkey meatloaf! I especially like the idea of adding mushrooms to the loaf and sauce. Thanks for a great recipe.
.-= Lana´s last blog, Back to School Dinner – Sloppy Joes =-.
Great way to serve a healthier version of an all american meal. Can’t go wrong with meatloaf
.-= Tina Marie´s last blog, Kahlua Week =-.
great sauce! like others I usually top meatloaf with ketchup and put some caramelized onion mixture on top.
.-= Jessie´s last blog, Open Face Steak Sandwich with Creamy Pesto Dressing =-.
I love Meatloaf….But my absolute fav is meatloaf sandwiches!!!
Great Recipe and site!!!
Thank you so much for sharing!!
.-= My Food and Life Encounters´s last blog, Pasta Extravaganza =-.
Thanks so very much for your visit to my blog and you comment on My Life lesson scam!!!!
Your meatloaf looks wonderful..looks like it has every spice in the spice cabinet! YUM
.-= leslie´s last blog, I got scammed..LESSON LEARNED! =-.