Cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf is the ultimate comfort dish, promising a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Picture this: a succulent turkey exterior enveloping a molten cheese center that oozes with every slice, creating a savory experience that will dance on your taste buds.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I freeze cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf?
- What type of cheese works best?
- How do I know when it’s cooked through?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine biting into it—crispy edges giving way to tender meat, while the gooey cheese adds an unexpected twist. This recipe brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited the first slice. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, this dish promises to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf is simple to prepare, making weeknight cooking easy and fun
- The flavor profile combines savory turkey with creamy cheese for a delightful experience
- Its visual appeal makes it a standout centerpiece for any meal
- Versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, this dish adapts to any dining occasion
Sharing this recipe at our last family gathering resulted in enthusiastic cheers and requests for seconds from everyone around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for better flavor while keeping it healthier.
Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese; mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf together.
Eggs: These act as a binder, ensuring your meatloaf holds its shape while cooking.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture; sautéing enhances its flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives depth; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color; dried works too if fresh isn’t available.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors; don’t forget to taste!
Ketchup or BBQ Sauce: For topping, use either for added sweetness and tangy goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking sheet with nonstick spray for easy removal later on.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly using your hands so it stays light.
Add Cheese Filling: Divide half of the turkey mixture into your prepared baking dish. Form a well in the center using clean hands and fill it generously with shredded cheese before covering with remaining turkey mix.
Topping It Off: Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce over the top of your meatloaf evenly. This layer caramelizes nicely while baking, adding both flavor and moisture throughout.
Bake Until Done: Place in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Check if cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (74°C). Look for golden brown edges as an indicator of doneness too.
Enjoy this delightful cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf straight from the oven! Slice it up warm and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds—you’ll definitely want them to!
You Must Know
- Cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf is not only delicious but also a healthy twist on a classic dish
- The gooey cheese center adds flavor and moisture, making this meatloaf an instant family favorite
- It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a juicy cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf, start by mixing ingredients thoroughly, then shape it into a loaf. Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef, add spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning, or mix in diced vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly moist meatloaf, don’t overmix the ingredients; it can lead to a dense texture
- Also, let it rest after baking; this helps lock in juices
- Finally, use lean turkey to avoid excess greasiness while keeping it flavorful
Sharing this recipe brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings where laughter and cheesy goodness filled the air. Everyone always leaves asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I freeze cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after cooking for up to three months.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella or cheddar melt wonderfully and complement the turkey’s flavor perfectly.
How do I know when it’s cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the center of the meatloaf.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf is a comforting and delicious dish that combines lean turkey with a gooey cheese center, perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. With its savory flavor and satisfying texture, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to impress your guests while keeping the cooking process simple and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a skillet, sauté onion over medium heat until translucent; add garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Place half of the turkey mixture in the loaf pan. Create a well in the center and fill with shredded cheese. Top with remaining turkey mixture.
- Spread ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
