Indulge in Our Beloved Barefoot Contessa’s Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this Barefoot Contessa turkey meatloaf recipe that promises to redefine your dinner experience.

Packed with lean protein and rich flavors, this meatloaf delivers a healthier alternative to traditional beef versions.

Ina Garten’s touch brings a sophisticated yet homey approach to this classic dish.

The combination of ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and secret ingredients creates a mouthwatering main course that stands out from ordinary weeknight meals.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of moisture and savory depth that will have you returning for seconds.

Warm plates and hungry diners await this delectable meal that turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Get ready to savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms dinner into a memorable moment.

Tools List for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and comfortably.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Baking Sheet: Ungreased surface for shaping and baking the meatloaf evenly.
• Whisk or Fork: Great for beating eggs and mixing liquid ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix meatloaf ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature and ensuring safe cooking.

Cooking Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf the Easy Way

• Turkey Mixture Preparation

Gently blend ground turkey with soft breadcrumbs, creating a tender base for the meatloaf. Fold in sautéed onions that have been cooled to room temperature, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

• Moisture and Binding

Whisk eggs into the mixture, adding richness and helping the ingredients stick together. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and a touch of chicken stock to enhance the meat’s natural taste and keep the loaf juicy.

• Ketchup Glaze

Spread a generous layer of tangy ketchup across the top of the formed loaf, creating a delicious caramelized coating that will add a sweet and zesty finish when baked.

• Oven Magic

Slide the prepared meatloaf into a warm oven at 325°F. Let it bake slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and the exterior to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The meatloaf is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked through.

• Resting Period

Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and full of flavor when served.

Creative Add-ins for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf

• Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add unique depth and aroma to your turkey meatloaf.
• Fold in diced bell peppers, grated zucchini, or finely chopped mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture without compromising the meatloaf's moisture.
• Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy sriracha glaze to create exciting flavor profiles that complement the turkey's mild taste.
• Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation a breeze.
• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or a blend of ground turkey and lean ground beef for varied protein options that maintain the recipe's delicious essence.

Serving Up Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf

• Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the turkey meatloaf alongside smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination that soaks up the delicious pan juices.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich meatloaf with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the meal and add a refreshing crunch.
• Drizzle with Extra Ketchup Glaze: Add a bit more ketchup on the side for dipping, letting guests customize their meatloaf with an extra touch of tangy sweetness.
• Serve with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Roast colorful vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or green beans to create a nutritious and colorful plate that enhances the main dish.

Saving Leftovers of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire meatloaf in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Slice and Portion: Cut meatloaf into even portions before storing, making it easier to grab a quick meal or pack lunch for the next day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf

• Onions: Sweet and aromatic foundation that brings depth to the meatloaf's taste profile.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes that complement the mild turkey meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex umami and tangy undertones to elevate the overall flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Ensures moisture and introduces rich, savory background notes.
• Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated sweetness and enhances the meatloaf's color.

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates the main body of the meatloaf.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps absorb moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender and cohesive.
• Eggs: Acts as a natural binder to hold all ingredients together.

• Ketchup: Adds a classic sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa turkey meatloaf brings comfort and flavor to family dinners. Wholesome ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that delights both home cooks and dinner guests.

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Ingredients

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• 5 lbs ground turkey breast
• 3 cups chopped yellow onions (2 large onions)
• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 1–½ cups plain dry bread crumbs
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1–½ tsps tomato paste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) with the rack centered for consistent heat distribution.
2. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions in a skillet until translucent, then incorporate Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste, creating a rich aromatic base. Cool the mixture to room temperature.
3. Mixing: In a large bowl, delicately blend ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture, taking care not to overwork the meat.
4. Shaping: Mold the mixture into a neat rectangular shape on an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring smooth, even edges.
5. Glazing: Spread ketchup evenly across the surface, creating a glossy, caramelizing coating that will enhance the meatloaf’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
6. Baking: Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (71°C).
7. Resting: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring a succulent, tender result.

Notes

• Prevent Dense Texture: Mix ingredients gently to avoid compressing the meat, which keeps the meatloaf light and tender.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 160°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Cool the onion mixture before mixing to prevent egg scrambling and allow deeper flavor integration.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Let the meatloaf rest after baking, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a succulent final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg