Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms familiar Thanksgiving ingredients into a hearty, homestyle meatloaf that’s as easy as it is delicious. The stuffing keeps the turkey moist and tender, while the herbs infuse every bite with nostalgic flavor. It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy nights or when you want something nutritious and comforting. The dish also reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. With its simple ingredients and rich, cozy flavor, Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.
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Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf – A Cozy, Comforting Twist on a Holiday Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf is the ultimate cozy comfort meal — combining juicy ground turkey with savory stuffing mix, aromatic herbs, and a sweet-tangy glaze. It tastes like Thanksgiving dinner in a single, delicious loaf!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup dry stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, combine stuffing mix and chicken broth. Let sit 3–5 minutes to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, softened stuffing mixture, onion, garlic, egg, carrots (optional), sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.
- Transfer mixture to the loaf pan and shape into a smooth loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, or cranberry sauce for a full Thanksgiving-style dinner.
Notes
- Add chopped celery to the mix for even more stuffing flavor.
- Use ground chicken instead of turkey if preferred.
- Make mini meatloaves by dividing mixture into muffin tins — bake 20–25 minutes.
- Leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps the meatloaf tender and flavorful. Choose 93% lean for best results.
Stuffing mix: Dry boxed stuffing or leftover homemade stuffing both work; it adds moisture, texture, and savory flavor.
Chicken or turkey broth: Helps hydrate the stuffing and keeps the meatloaf juicy.
Eggs: Bind the mixture together for a cohesive loaf.
Onion: Finely diced for added moisture and aromatic depth.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and classic stuffing flavor.
Butter: Enhances richness and mimics the flavor of holiday stuffing.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for savory depth.
Poultry seasoning: A blend of sage, thyme, and savory that brings traditional Thanksgiving flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Ketchup or cranberry glaze (optional): For a sweet-tangy finish on top.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, stuffing mix, broth, eggs, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Add poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly. If you’d like, spread ketchup or a cranberry glaze over the top for added flavor and color.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.*
Variations and Customizations
Cranberry-Glazed Meatloaf: Mix cranberry sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar and brush over the top before baking.
Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for extra richness.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in grated carrot or zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
Apple-Stuffed Meatloaf: Add finely diced apples for a sweet-savory flavor reminiscent of apple-sage stuffing.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Version: Mix in leftover gravy, stuffing, or mashed potatoes for a cozy hybrid twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Spicy Herb Blend: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bold flavor.
Stuffed Meatloaf: Press half the mixture into the pan, add a layer of cranberry sauce or cheese, then top with the remaining turkey mixture.
Maple-Dijon Glaze: Brush a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard over the top for a sweet-savory crust.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap the loaf in thin bacon strips before baking for extra flavor and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover stuffing?
Yes, leftover stuffing works beautifully—just reduce the broth slightly since it’s already moistened.
Can I make this with ground chicken instead?
Absolutely. Ground chicken is a great substitute and works the same way.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
Ground turkey can dry out if overmixed or overbaked. Use 93% lean turkey and check the temperature early.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble the loaf and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking.
What glaze works best?
Ketchup, cranberry sauce, or a maple-Dijon glaze all pair wonderfully with the flavors.
Can I add sausage to the mix?
Yes, mixing in a small amount of turkey sausage adds richness and extra flavor.
Do I need a loaf pan?
No—you can shape it freeform on a baking sheet for crispier edges.
Can I freeze the entire loaf?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add herbs like sage or thyme?
Yes, fresh or dried herbs enhance the stuffing-inspired flavor.
How do I keep it from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough binder—eggs and stuffing help hold the loaf together.
Conclusion
Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf brings all the comfort of a holiday meal into a simple, satisfying loaf full of warmth and flavor. Moist, well-seasoned, and fragrant with herbs, it’s a dish that comforts and nourishes, perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for lunch the next day, this meatloaf delivers everything you love about stuffing and roasted turkey in one easy recipe. It’s bound to become a staple you’ll crave long after the holiday season ends.
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