Curried Fruit, Vegetable And Meat Loaf
A flavorful meatloaf combining ground turkey and beef with dried fruits, curry spices, and vegetables, offering a sweet and savory profile. Perfect for those who enjoy hearty, comforting dishes with a hint of exotic spice, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. dried apricots or peaches, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. dried apples, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, grated ⓘ
- 2 large celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Turn out into a 9 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Form into a loaf shape.
- Bake for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until well browned on the outside.
- Serve with parsley potatoes and a salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, try substituting the ground turkey with ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. If dried apricots aren't available, dried cranberries can add a different flavor. Adjust the curry powder to suit your spice preference. Mixing the loaf in a stand mixer can ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Curried Fruit, Vegetable and Meat Loaf pairs beautifully with parsley potatoes and a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad. You can also enjoy it cold in sandwiches, much like Aunt Martha's Sloppy Joes for a quick lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatloaf for longer storage, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Fruit, Vegetable And Meat Loaf contains roughly 494 calories, with 21g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh fruits instead of dried in this meatloaf?
While dried fruits provide sweetness and a chewy texture, you can use fresh fruits like finely chopped apples or pears. Just be aware that fresh fruits may add moisture, so you might need to adjust the bread crumbs to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or ground oats. Always check that all other ingredients, especially curry powder and seasonings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?
If your meatloaf turns out dry, consider adding a bit of broth or a splash of milk to the mixture before baking. Additionally, keeping an eye on the baking time and covering the loaf with foil during the last half can help retain moisture while cooking.
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).