Mexican Style Baked Turkey Loaf
A flavorful Mexican-inspired baked turkey loaf packed with herbs, spices, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy, savory meal that appeals to all taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh cilantro, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 c. whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 c. salsa ⓘ
- 1 egg white, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the onion, celery, and bell peppers in a small amount of olive oil until just cooked through, but not translucent.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked vegetable mixture, cilantro, bread crumbs, salsa, egg white, pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- Brush the top with a little olive oil.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on top.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground chicken if turkey isn't available. You can substitute fresh cilantro with parsley or omit it altogether if you prefer. If you want a bit more heat, diced jalapeños can be added to the vegetable mixture. This recipe can also be adapted by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Style Baked Turkey Loaf with a side of Jo'S Quick Spanish Rice for a complete meal. Fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad can also complement the dish nicely. For an extra kick, drizzle with additional salsa or serve with a side of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Style Baked Turkey Loaf contains roughly 861 calories, with 37g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (135% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 859mg per serving (37% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a variation in flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of meat used.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced fresh jalapeños in the vegetable mixture. Additionally, consider topping the loaf with spicy salsa or serving with a hot sauce on the side.
Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply transfer it to the loaf pan and follow the baking instructions. This makes for an easy meal prep option.
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).