Amazing Turkey Meatloaf

Poor meatloaf. I think it gets a bad rap sometimes, people think of meatloaf as a hard, tasteless brick, but it doesn't have to be that way. I have been making my meatloaf with ground turkey for years. It is a nice alternative to beef because it is lower in calories and fat, and really takes on the flavors that you add to it. I think the tricks to making a moist and delicious meatloaf is adding enough liquid to the mix, not over mixing the meatloaf and not overcooking it. You must try this recipe, I have to admit, I think its pretty amazing. Meatloaf is definitely one of my top comfort foods. I usually just eyeball my meatloaf recipe, but I measured everything this time so I could share it :)  Next time I make this recipe, I am going to try it in the crock pot, I have heard it is possible and what better way to get a meal on the table than a crock pot!?

2 lbs ground turkey

1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan (I have used Kraft's grated before, use 1/4 cup)

1/2 cup onion, chopped very small

5 cloves garlic, minced

3 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 egg

3 tablespoons Worcestershire

2 tablespoons milk

ketchup or tomato sauce

As you can kind of see, I only did Ketchup
to 1/2 the loaf- Stephen prefers to put it
on after its cooked.

Finished product on the plate! Complete
with mashed cauliflower and potatoes
and sauteed Parmesan Swiss Chard!

Directions:

•  Add all the ingredients, except the turkey and ketchup (or tomato sauce) into a large bowl and mix all together.
• Add the ground turkey meat and using the best tools you have in the kitchen (your hands) mix the seasoning/liquid mix with the turkey meat, careful, as soon as it looks all incorporated, stop. You don't want to over mix.
• If you have time (this isn't a crucial step) put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the seasonings all meld together.
• Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and put the meatloaf mix into the pan. Shape into a loaf. Cover with aluminum foil. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. Open the oven and spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Keep the aluminum foil off and return the meatloaf to oven.
• When the meat is cooked, it will be slightly firm to the touch (about 15-20 more minutes) or be about 155 degrees when tested with a meat thermometer.
• Slice up and serve! I usually serve it with some homemade mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and a veggie.