Baked Turkey Loaf
A savory baked turkey loaf combines herbs, vegetables, and lean turkey for a healthy, flavorful main dish suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 1 tablespoon bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, toasted ⓘ
- 1/4 cup skim milk or chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 egg white, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients until just blended.
- Press the mixture into a 4 x 9-inch nonstick loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or basil, to the turkey mixture. If you want to make it gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or ground oats. To keep the loaf moist, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to a denser texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked turkey loaf with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Light Cheese Cake for dessert. You can also slice it for sandwiches the next day, adding your favorite condiments and greens. A tangy dipping sauce can elevate the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover turkey loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Turkey Loaf contains roughly 608 calories, with 24g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 77g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield a delicious loaf. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken may cook a bit faster than turkey.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I freeze the turkey loaf?
Absolutely! Once the turkey loaf is fully cooked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).