Delicious and Healthy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Are you tired of the same old traditional meatloaf recipe? Then, my friend, have I got a recipe for you! Introducing my Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf recipe – a spicy twist on the classic comfort food.
Ground turkey seasoned with garlic cloves, dried basil, dried oregano, ground cumin, and fresh cilantro, all mixed together with oats and bread crumbs creates a moist and flavourful loaf. But the real star of this dish is the chipotle glaze that brings the heat and smokiness to the table.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a little spice to their dinner routine without sacrificing taste. Not only does this recipe offer a unique flavour, but it also gives your usual meatloaf a healthy twist by using lean ground turkey and gluten-free oats.
Trust me, after taking one bite of this mouth-watering Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf, it will become a staple in your household. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old meatloaf recipe? Are you looking for something with a little bit of kick to it? If so, this Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf recipe is perfect for you!
First, let’s talk about the star of the show: chipotle chile in adobo. The spicy, smoky flavor of chipotle peppers adds an incredible depth to the turkey meatloaf that is sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. This is not your typical meatloaf recipe, as it incorporates unique ingredients like fresh cilantro and ground cumin that will keep you coming back for more.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, shape the mixture into a loaf, and bake it in the oven for 45 minutes. This means that even if you’re strapped for time, you can still whip up a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
But let’s be real – the thing that really sets this recipe apart is the chipotle glaze. Made from a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, this glaze takes the meatloaf to a whole new level. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the heat from the chipotle peppers.
If you’re worried about leftovers, fear not! This meatloaf keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and can easily be reheated in the oven or microwave. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can use leftovers to make sandwiches, crumble it up over salads or add it to pasta dishes.
In short, this Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf recipe is worth trying if you want something different and exciting for dinner tonight. Its combination of unique flavors and easy preparation make it a winner in my book. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why you’ll love this recipe?
Ingredient List
To make this Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups of oats
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
- 2 chipotle chile in adobo and the sauce
- 2 tsp of dried oregano
- 2 tsp of dried basil
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
For the Chipotle glaze, you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo and the sauce
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar
Note: You can find chipotle chiles in adobo and sauce in most grocery stores near the Mexican foods section. Be sure to purchase the canned peppers, not already in sauce.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need the oven ready as soon as you finish preparing the meatloaf.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground turkey, 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of panko chipotle, and 3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion. Crush 3 garlic cloves into the mixture, add 1 teaspoon salt, and sprinkle in some dried basil, dried oregano, and ground cumin for some extra flavors. Mix everything altogether with your hands until well combined.
Step 3: Add Chipotle Flavor
Finely chop 2 canned chipotle chile in adobo, then put it in the mixing bowl with parsley and cilantro. Squeeze some adobo sauce from the can into the bowl as well. Mix all ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf mixture.
Step 4: Shape The Meatloaf
Place a meat loaf [pan/sheet tray] on a flat surface such as a cutting board or your kitchen counter top. Place the meatloaf mixture onto the sheet tray, then shape it firmly into a rectangle or an oval shape with your hands.
Step 5: Make The Chipotle Glaze
In another bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and canned chipotle chile in adobo. Spread half of this glaze onto one side of the meatloaf mixture then bake it for about 30-35 minutes with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Final Glazing
After 30 minutes, remove from oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Put it back in the oven to bake for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through and glazed perfectly.
There you have it – your delicious homemade Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf is ready to be enjoyed!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and there’s no reason why meatloaf has to be a one-note dish. Here are some ways you can tweak this Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf recipe to your taste.
1. Substitute the turkey: If you’re not a fan of turkey or want to switch things up, ground chicken or beef will work as well. For a lean option, try ground bison.
2. Kick up the spice: Add more Chipotle chile in adobo sauce for an extra kick or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
3. Mix up the herbs: Swap your spices around to create a different flavor profile. For instance, consider using rosemary or thyme instead of basil and oregano.
4. Go paleo: To make this recipe paleo-friendly, use almond flour instead of oats and replace the tomato sauce with homemade ketchup.
5. Make mini meatloaves: Shape the mixture into smaller portions for meatloaf muffins that cook more quickly and are perfect for personal servings.
6. Experiment with sauce: Top your meatloaf creation with BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and chipotle glaze for a traditional meatloaf flavor.
7. Mix in Italian sausage: Combine ground turkey with crumbled Italian sausage for a unique spin on this classic comfort food.
Whatever substitutions or variations you make, remember that this Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf is meant to be savored and enjoyed – whether it’s a hearty dinner with friends or leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing your Chipotle Meatloaf, the possibilities are endless. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of sides to complement its smoky flavors.
One classic pairing option is mashed potatoes – this traditional comfort food will provide a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the meatloaf. Additionally, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes will add a welcome depth of flavor while still maintaining the health benefits of this delicious dish.
For those who enjoy a bit more spice, consider serving the meatloaf with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The acidic brightness of the salsa and the creamy heat of the rice will perfectly highlight the subtle chipotle flavors in the meatloaf.
If you’re looking to keep things simple but still flavorful, you might want to serve your Chipotle Meatloaf on a bed of greens with your favorite dressing. The tender turkey meat will pair well with crisp leafy greens and add some healthy balance to your meal.
Whether you serve it up as an entrée or mini-meatloaves served as appetizers, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving for sweet and savory flavors. You can even drizzle some extra chipotle sauce over the top for an added kick or serve them with some barbecue sauce for that classic homestyle twist.
With its juicy texture and bold flavors, Chipotle Turkey Meatloaf is an outstanding choice for those looking for more adventurous yet healthy recipes that will have just about anyone asking for second helpings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve whipped up a mouth-watering chipotle turkey meatloaf, you may want to store it for later consumption. Making it ahead of time and storing it properly ensures that it will still taste great when you’re ready to dig in.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply follow the instructions and allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. It’s best if consumed within 3 to 4 days of making it.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! There are several ways to reheat the meatloaf without compromising the flavor and tenderness of the dish. One way is by reheating slices in a microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat slices in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Keep in mind that if you are planning on serving your leftover chipotle turkey meatloaf with a glaze, such as the ketchup-chipotle sauce used in this recipe, it’s best to add the glaze after reheating. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too dry or burnt.
Lastly, if you’re looking to avoid having leftovers altogether, you can also freeze this chipotle turkey meatloaf. Simply wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. The frozen meatloaf can be reheated using any of the methods mentioned above.
In conclusion, this recipe’s easy storage and reheating options make it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans. And with its deliciously smoky and spicy kick from the chipotle chile in adobo sauce, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without ever leaving your home kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Chipotle (Turkey) Meatloaf, here are some tips that can help you achieve that delicious and juicy meatloaf every time.
Firstly, when you are mixing your ingredients, be sure not to overwork your meat. When it comes to meatloaf, the more you mix, the tougher your meatloaf will be. So, only mix until just combined.
Secondly, if you want to add a bit of extra flavor and texture, consider adding diced red onion to your meat mixture. The crunch from the onions will give your meatloaf a little added bite.
Thirdly, it’s important to let your cooked Chipotle (Turkey) Meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. If you cut into it too soon, all of the delicious juices will run out of the meat and into your serving dish instead.
Fourthly, make sure to use fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley for your glaze and in your meat mixture. Fresh herbs will give a much brighter flavor compared to dried ones and set the taste notes off perfectly.
Fifthly, pay attention to oven temperatures as it is crucial for this recipe. Ensure you preheat oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit as it helps cook the turkey thoroughly to make sure it comes around moistened and well cooked.
Lastly, for those craving a spicy flavor do not hesitate upon adding more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce as per taste preference but make sure not to lose turkey meat’s natural taste notes amidst the heat.
So follow these tips for perfect results and enjoy making this flavorful Chipotle (Turkey) Meatloaf recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chipotle turkey meatloaf recipe is a must-try for those who want to spice up their usual meatloaf routine. With the perfect blend of chipotle chiles in adobo and other seasonings, this recipe provides a unique and bold flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. It’s also versatile and easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.
So, why not give it a try? Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthy alternative to traditional meatloaf recipes. Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef or pork, making it a great option for those who want to watch their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.
Plus, with the ability to make ahead, store, and reheat this dish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. You won’t regret trying out this chipotle turkey meatloaf recipe – it may even become your new favorite!
Chipotle ( Turkey ) Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Meat loaf
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo (also use 1 teaspoon of sauce)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 egg whites
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- cooking spray
Sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Chop chile. Combine chile, adobo sauce, onion, and next 14 ingredients (through ground turkey breast) in a large bowl, stirring to combine.
- Place turkey mixture in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- While loaf bakes, combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl; brush over meat loaf.
- Cover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until thermometer registers 160°.
- Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.