The Best Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Mouthwatering turkey meatloaf transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Home cooks seek comfort food that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Robust seasonings and carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic dish beyond basic expectations.

Professional chefs understand how ground meat can become a canvas for culinary creativity.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Lean protein meets rich, satisfying textures in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to gather your favorite people around the table for a memorable meal:

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

• Boost Moisture Magically: Grate zucchini or carrots to infuse extra juiciness into your turkey meatloaf, transforming the texture from dry to delightfully tender.
• Temperature Tells All: Rely on a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, hitting the precise 160°F (71°C) internal temperature for safe and succulent results.
• Herb Your Enthusiasm: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil through the meat mixture, creating depth of flavor that makes every bite more exciting and aromatic.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow the freshly baked meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, letting juices redistribute and ensuring each slice stays beautifully intact when cut.
• Mix with Mindfulness: Gently combine ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make your meatloaf tough and less enjoyable.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air from the storage bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal moisture. Invest in a vacuum sealer for professional-grade food preservation that keeps your meatloaf tasting fresh and delicious.
• Portion and Wrap Method: Slice the meatloaf into individual servings before storing, then wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This approach allows easy reheating of single servings without thawing the entire loaf, saving time and preserving quality.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled meatloaf to a glass storage container with an airtight seal, which prevents odor transfer and maintains moisture better than plastic containers. Glass containers also make it simple to see your stored leftovers and can go directly from refrigerator to microwave for convenient reheating.

Creative Variations on Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap ketchup with tzatziki sauce and mix fresh chopped parsley, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese into the turkey mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Worcestershire sauce with chipotle peppers, add jalapeños, cilantro, and top with salsa instead of ketchup to create a zesty southwestern-style meatloaf.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, sage, and basil into the ground turkey, use herbed breadcrumbs, and finish with a light glaze of mustard and honey for an aromatic herbal experience.
• Asian-Inspired Infusion: Mix in minced ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then top with a sweet and tangy hoisin sauce glaze for a vibrant pan-Asian transformation of the classic meatloaf.

Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf: A Lean Twist on a Classic

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s turkey meatloaf, blending hearty comfort with sophisticated flavors.

Aromatic herbs and carefully balanced ingredients create a meal that transcends ordinary weeknight dinners.

Kitchen enthusiasts can appreciate this recipe’s simplicity and remarkable depth of taste.

Home cooks discover a foolproof method for delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate humble ground turkey into a memorable centerpiece.

Passionate palates will relish each savory slice – so grab those ingredients, share this delightful recipe with friends, spark conversation in the comments, and spread mealtime inspiration across your social networks!

Why Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

• Savor Sophisticated Flavor Fusion: This turkey meatloaf elevates classic comfort food with a gourmet twist, blending rich Worcestershire sauce, aromatic thyme, and tangy ketchup for a multilayered taste experience that transforms an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.
• Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: Ina Garten's recipe provides foolproof instructions with precise temperature control and smart cooking methods like softening onions slowly and checking internal temperature, making it perfect for home cooks wanting reliable results without complex culinary skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Flexibility: This meatloaf shines in multiple serving scenarios – hot from the oven for a cozy family dinner, at room temperature for casual gatherings, or cold in sandwiches for quick lunches, offering maximum convenience and delicious adaptability.
• Create Healthier Protein Option: Using lean ground turkey instead of traditional beef reduces fat content while maintaining incredible flavor, making this recipe a smarter protein choice for health-conscious food lovers seeking nutritious yet delectable meal alternatives.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that forms the base of the meatloaf, providing a healthier alternative to beef.
• Eggs: Binder that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds moisture.

• Onions: Sweet vegetable that adds depth and texture to the meatloaf, cooked until soft and translucent.
• Thyme: Herb that brings a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that adds complex umami and depth to the meatloaf.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Plain Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatloaf and add structure.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid that adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf tender.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and prevent sticking.
• Tomato Paste: Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps bind the ingredients.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy topping that provides moisture and caramelizes during baking.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Turkey Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 325°F (163°C) and get ready for a delicious cooking experience.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

• Heat olive oil over medium-low heat
• Add chopped onions
• Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and thyme
• Cook for 15 minutes until onions become soft and translucent
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning

Step 3: Create the Flavor Boost

• Worcestershire sauce
• Chicken stock
• Tomato paste

Stir everything together and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Plain breadcrumbs
• 2 beaten eggs
• Cooled onion mixture

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf Masterpiece

• Mold the turkey mixture into a neat rectangular loaf
• Ensure even thickness for consistent cooking

Step 6: Add the Tangy Topping

Spread a generous layer of ketchup across the entire surface of the meatloaf.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven
• Bake for 1.5 hours
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C)

Pro tip: Place a pan of hot water on the rack below to keep the meatloaf moist

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy hot, at room temperature, or create delicious cold sandwiches later!

Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey meatloaf delivers classic comfort with a lean, flavorful twist. Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a tangy glaze elevate this hearty dish, promising a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Primary Proteins:

• 5 pounds ground turkey breast

Binding Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups plain dry bread crumbs

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 3 cups yellow onions, chopped (2 large onions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons tomato paste
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• ¾ cup ketchup

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 325°F (163°C), ensuring the temperature is consistent for optimal cooking.
2. Sauté the diced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Gently stir the onions for approximately 15 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste into the caramelized onions. Blend thoroughly and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Combine ground turkey, plain breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl. Fold in the cooled onion mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to an ungreased baking sheet, carefully molding it into a uniform rectangular loaf with smooth edges to promote even cooking.
6. Generously spread a layer of ketchup across the entire surface of the meatloaf, creating a flavorful and moisture-retaining glaze.
7. Roast the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For enhanced moisture, place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack during baking.
8. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or allow to cool completely for sandwich preparations.

Notes

• Elevate your home cooking with this transformed turkey meatloaf that bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.
• Meal prep becomes a breeze with this make-ahead dish that promises incredible taste and nutritional value.
• Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock weave deep, complex undertones through the lean ground turkey.
• Thyme introduces a sophisticated herbal whisper that lifts this meatloaf far beyond ordinary recipe expectations.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee silky-smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout every delectable slice.
• Breadcrumbs work magic as a binding superhero, locking in moisture and preventing dry, crumbly results.
• Ketchup glaze transforms into a caramelized crown, adding tangy sweetness with each golden-brown bite.
• Hot water pan technique creates a steamy environment that keeps turkey remarkably tender and succulent.
• Enjoy this versatile marvel warm, at room temperature, or chilled between sandwich bread for endless meal possibilities.
• Critical 160°F internal temperature ensures both food safety and mouthwatering, juicy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 351
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 677 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg