Flavorful Moist Turkey Loaf (Print Version)
Moist turkey loaf blended with vegetables and herbs, baked to a savory finish for any meal.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, grated
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
→ Binder & Fillers
06 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
07 - 1/4 cup unsweetened milk or plant milk
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
→ Flavorings
09 - 2 tbsp ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Topping
16 - 2 tbsp ketchup
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl; let soak for 5 minutes.
03 - In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, chopped celery, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently and smoothing the top.
05 - Spread the 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly over the surface of the loaf.
06 - Bake for 50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the loaf is set.
07 - Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It stays impossibly moist without any fussy technique or added fat.
- Leftovers make the best sandwich slices, so you're really making two meals.
- The flavor builds as it cools slightly, tasting even better the next day.
02 -
- Overmixing the meat mixture is the most common mistake and it's what makes loaf dense instead of tender—treat it like you're handling something fragile.
- If your loaf looks done on top but jiggles in the center, it needs more time; the internal temperature is your only honest judge.
03 -
- Let your turkey come to room temperature before mixing so it combines evenly and doesn't get overworked.
- If you're worried about dryness, place a shallow pan of water on the oven rack below the loaf—the steam keeps everything tender.