If you’re looking to bring a beloved comfort food to your dinner table with a fresh twist, this Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the hearty goodness of traditional stuffing flavors and juicy ground turkey meat, finished with a sticky-sweet glaze that locks in moisture and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or holiday gathering, this dish is guaranteed to deliver warmth, nostalgia, and lots of happily stuffed plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple but each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the savory herbs that bring depth to the turkey to the sweet glaze that adds that irresistible shine, every element is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the veggies, adding a subtle richness that melds flavors beautifully.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a delicate crunch after cooking.
- Celery stalks, finely chopped: Brings freshness and a satisfying texture that complements the meat.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the meatloaf with a classic aromatic punch.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): A lean protein base with a mild flavor that absorbs all the seasoning perfectly.
- Ground pork (1/2 pound): Adds moisture and a bit of fat for juicy, tender meatloaf.
- Stuffing mix (1 cup, dry): The star component that mimics classic holiday stuffing textures and flavor.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and helps bind everything together.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf while baking.
- Dried sage (1 teaspoon): Provides that distinctive earthy, warm herb taste.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of floral and minty notes.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Offers piney, woody undertones that lift the flavor profile.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and complexity.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Forms the base of the sweet glaze with tangy sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Provides caramelized notes that balance the savory meat.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild sharpness and depth to the glaze.
How to Make Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your meatloaf is ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan—either works wonderfully, so choose based on what you have and your preference for shape.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in chopped onion and celery. Cooking these until softened (about 5 minutes) brings out their natural sweetness—key for a flavor-packed meatloaf. Stir in minced garlic and cook one more minute to awaken those irresistible aromas, then take the pan off the heat to cool slightly before mixing with the meat.
Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey and ground pork for that perfect mix of lean and juicy. Add your dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, and all the dried herbs and seasonings. Finally, fold in the cooled onion and celery mixture. Mix just until everything is fully incorporated—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so be gentle here.
Step 4: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Form your mixture into a loaf shape, whether you prefer a classic oval on a baking sheet or a neat rectangle in a loaf pan. Don’t press too hard; keeping some air pockets will help it cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Sweet Glaze
Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth and shiny. This glaze is the magic touch that creates a beautiful caramelized finish. Spread it evenly across the top of your shaped meatloaf to ensure each bite is sweet, tangy, and glossy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s cooked through but still juicy. If you used a loaf pan, you might bake a little longer—keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy slices that hold together beautifully without crumbling. Then, carve this masterpiece and get ready to dive in.
How to Serve Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbaceous lift that contrasts perfectly with the sweet glaze. For an extra touch, a few sliced green onions provide a mild crunch and subtle sharpness.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy butternut squash puree are perfect to accompany this meatloaf—they soak up the sweet glaze deliciously. Roasted green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts bring a needed crispness and bright flavor balance. For a heartier meal, a warm cranberry sauce adds a nice tart contrast that feels festive and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe sliced thick on rustic wooden boards for a casual, family-style vibe. Alternatively, turn leftovers into savory mini sliders with a smear of mayo and crisp lettuce—perfect for an easy lunch or snack. You can even stuff individual meatloaf muffins for portion control and an adorable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for quick reheat meals without losing any flavor or moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire cooked meatloaf or pre-shaped but uncooked loaf. Cool completely before freezing, wrap securely in foil and then plastic wrap, or place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It keeps for about 3 months and thaws overnight in the fridge for easy baking or reheating.
Reheating
To revive those flavors and texture, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but might soften the glaze, so a gentle oven reheat is best to keep that beautiful glossy finish intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the stuffing mix with a gluten-free bread stuffing or use gluten-free breadcrumbs seasoned to your liking. This keeps the texture satisfying without the gluten.
Is it necessary to use both turkey and pork?
Using both gives the meatloaf a nice balance of lean protein and fat for moisture and flavor. If you want a leaner version, all turkey works, but adding a bit of pork or even bacon can boost juiciness and richness.
Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to shape and glaze it right before baking for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute with yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of dry mustard powder. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious in the sweet glaze.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable way is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is both safe and juicy, avoiding dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and brings together the best of classic flavors in a fun, new way. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and create some delicious memories with family and friends around the table.
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Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is a flavorful and hearty dish combining ground turkey and pork with classic stuffing mix and aromatic herbs. Topped with a tangy, sweet glaze, it makes a comforting main course perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup stuffing mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking area by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ground pork, dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, egg, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan.
- Prepare and Add Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the turkey and pork are safely cooked.
- Using a loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold its shape better, but a baking sheet is a good alternative.
- For a deeper flavor, you can prepare the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
