Family-Favorite Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Barefoot Contessa turkey meatloaf transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Her signature recipe elevates the humble meatloaf with unexpected depth and sophistication.

Lean protein becomes a canvas for robust seasonings and carefully balanced ingredients.

Mediterranean-inspired herbs intermingle with classic comfort food elements, creating a dish that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Packed with nutrient-dense components, this meatloaf offers a healthier alternative to traditional beef versions.

Home cooks appreciate its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Families will gather around the table, eager to savor each flavorful slice: enjoy this delightful meal together.

Why Turkey Meatloaf Deserves Its Own Spotlight

• Indulge in Lean Protein Comfort: This turkey meatloaf offers a healthier twist on traditional beef meatloaf, delivering all the comfort with fewer calories and less fat.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Packed with straightforward ingredients and an easy preparation method, this recipe transforms dinner into a stress-free experience that requires minimal kitchen skills.
• Burst with Flavor Complexity: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste creates a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates the humble ground turkey into a mouthwatering main dish.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: With just a baking sheet and simple mixing technique, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet practical meal solutions.

A Lean and Tasty List of Must-Haves

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the main body of the meatloaf, providing a healthier alternative to beef.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatloaf together and adds moisture.

• Bread Crumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Chicken Stock, Tomato Paste: Deeply enriches the meat's flavor profile with tangy and savory notes.
• Onion Mixture: Provides aromatic depth and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf.

• Ketchup: Classic meatloaf glaze that adds a sweet and tangy finish with a beautiful reddish color.

How to Keep Turkey Moist and Marvelous

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 325°F (165°C). Make sure the rack is centered for even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Worcestershire sauce
• Chicken stock
• Tomato paste

Let the mixture cool down completely.

Step 3: Combine Protein Mix

• Ground turkey
• Bread crumbs
• Beaten eggs
• Cooled onion mixture

Gently fold ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Craft the Perfect Loaf

Transfer the meat mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet. Shape into a rustic rectangular loaf. Drizzle ketchup across the top, creating a tangy glaze.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for 1-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender meal. Slice and enjoy!

Smart Tips for Light Yet Flavorful Meatloaf

• Select Lean Ground Turkey: Choose ground turkey breast for a healthier meatloaf, balancing low fat content with moisture-preserving ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle the meat mixture with a light touch, combining ingredients just until incorporated to maintain a tender, delicate texture.
• Pre-Cool Sautéed Onions: Let the onion mixture cool completely before mixing with turkey to prevent scrambling the eggs and ensure a smooth, consistent blend.
• Create Uniform Shape: Carefully form the meatloaf into an even, symmetrical shape on the baking sheet for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the meatloaf reaches 160°F, ensuring food safety while keeping the meat perfectly juicy and tender.

Saving Leftovers with Full Flavor Intact

• Freezer Preservation: Carefully wrap individual meatloaf portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store inside heavy-duty freezer bags. Protect each slice meticulously to maintain maximum flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Label bags with dates to track freshness.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer remaining meatloaf into sealed glass containers or airtight plastic containers. Position slices strategically to prevent moisture loss. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Keep refrigerator temperature consistently below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Techniques: Restore moisture and warmth by covering meatloaf with aluminum foil while warming in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, use microwave for quick 1-2 minute reheating, ensuring even heat distribution.

Unexpected Twists on a Lean Classic

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Blend fresh oregano, basil, and rosemary into the turkey mixture for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile. Replace ketchup with sun-dried tomato spread for added depth.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a tablespoon of cumin. Top with pepper jack cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for extra heat and creaminess.
• Mushroom Umami Blend: Sauté finely chopped cremini mushrooms with the onions to enhance the meatloaf's savory notes. Incorporate a splash of soy sauce for rich, deep umami flavor that complements the ground turkey.
• Apple Sage Country Style: Fold in finely diced Granny Smith apples and fresh sage leaves for a rustic, slightly sweet undertone. Glaze with a maple-mustard sauce during the final baking stage to create a golden, caramelized top.

Turkey That Ends the Meal Just Right

Meatloaf magic awaits with Ina Garten’s signature twist on classic comfort cuisine.

Barefoot Contessa’s recipe elevates ground turkey into a memorable main course that sings with robust flavor profiles.

Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock create depth beyond ordinary expectations.

Breadcrumbs and eggs bind this culinary masterpiece while ketchup provides a tangy glaze.

Hearty and satisfying, this meatloaf promises restaurant-quality meals straight from home kitchens.

Whoever craves a crowd-pleasing dinner that sparks conversation and delights palates, this recipe calls you to gather ingredients, preheat that oven, and craft something spectacular – share this delicious discovery, drop a comment celebrating your cooking adventure, and spread meatloaf love across social media platforms.

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s turkey meatloaf delivers classic comfort with a lean, flavorful twist. Moist meat combined with herbs, onions, and a tangy glaze creates a wholesome dinner that satisfies without heavy guilt.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 5 pounds ground turkey breast

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cups chopped yellow onions (2 large onions)
• 1–½ teaspoons tomato paste
• ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 1–½ cups plain dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup chicken stock

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions in a skillet until they become translucent and slightly golden, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Enhance the onion mixture with Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to blend the ingredients into a harmonious liquid.
4. Allow the onion and liquid mixture to cool to room temperature, which prevents premature cooking of the eggs and helps integrate flavors.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture, using a light hand to prevent compressing the meat.
6. Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet, carefully molding it into a symmetrical rectangular shape with smooth edges.
7. Generously spread ketchup across the surface of the meatloaf, creating an even, glossy coating that will caramelize during baking.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 1-1/2 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160°F (71°C).
9. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.

Notes

• Cool onion mixtures before blending prevents eggs from scrambling and maintains a smooth, consistent texture throughout the meatloaf.
• Shape meatloaf carefully on baking sheet to guarantee uniform cooking, avoiding undercooked sections and ensuring perfect doneness.
• Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer for precise cooking, ensuring the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) without becoming dry.
• Use lean ground turkey to create a lighter, healthier version while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful through careful ingredient selection.
• Avoid overmixing ingredients to maintain a tender, light texture that doesn’t become dense or tough during preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 193
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 602mg
• Fat: 8.1g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 69mg