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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions in a skillet until they become translucent and slightly golden, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Enhance the onion mixture with Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to blend the ingredients into a harmonious liquid.
- Allow the onion and liquid mixture to cool to room temperature, which prevents premature cooking of the eggs and helps integrate flavors.
- 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.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet, carefully molding it into a symmetrical rectangular shape with smooth edges.
- Generously spread ketchup across the surface of the meatloaf, creating an even, glossy coating that will caramelize during baking.
- 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).
- 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