Ground Turkey Loaf
A hearty ground turkey loaf with vegetables and savory seasonings, topped with creamy chicken soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and those seeking a nutritious, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 (1 lb.) packages raw ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried whole marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried whole rosemary ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, chicken broth, dried marjoram, dried rosemary, and cream of chicken soup in a medium bowl; mix well.
- Place the mixture on a greased broiler rack and shape into a slightly rounded loaf, noting that the mixture will be soft.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until thoroughly cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting half of the ground turkey with ground chicken. If you prefer a stronger flavor, feel free to add minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. When shaping the loaf, wet your hands to prevent sticking. This dish can also be made into individual meatloaf muffins for quicker cooking and easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, serve with Corn Bread 'Stuff' for a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled turkey loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Turkey Loaf contains roughly 609 calories, with 20g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1660mg per serving (72% 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 ground turkey breast instead of regular ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground turkey breast for a leaner option, but keep in mind that it may yield a drier loaf. To counteract this, consider adding an extra egg or a bit more evaporated milk to maintain moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free turkey loaf, substitute the soft breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the cream of chicken soup, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I freeze the turkey loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen using the same method.
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).