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Simple Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf with Cheese
I've got a mouthwatering turkey meatloaf that's turned into my clan's go-to healthy dinner. The magic happens when you combine lean turkey with gooey cheese and bright spinach leaves all rolled up together. A zesty topping makes this dish truly stand out, and since it's only 292 calories per slice, you won't feel guilty enjoying an extra piece.
What Makes This No-Fuss Recipe Special
- Every mouthful has that wonderful cheese and spinach combo
- It cuts down on calories but still tastes like comfort food
- Hidden vegetables work wonders for veggie-avoiding family members
- You can tweak the flavors based on what you love
Basic Meatloaf Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Turkey: Pick the 93% lean kind for the right balance of taste and juiciness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Go with whatever type melts nicely for that gooey middle.
- Fresh Spinach: Brings color, nutrients and keeps everything juicy.
- Mushrooms: Mince them small and they'll blend right into the meat mixture.
- Ketchup Glaze: Transforms our meatloaf into something unforgettable.
- Breadcrumbs: Binds everything perfectly swap in oats if you can't have gluten.
Quick Cooking Instructions
- Mix Your Base
- Toss your ground turkey into a big bowl. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs and seasonings bit by bit, using your fingers to mix everything together gently. You'll want to stop after just 1-2 minutes when everything looks combined. Don't go overboard with mixing or you'll end up with tough meatloaf.
- Build Your Layers
- Get a big sheet of parchment paper and flatten your meat mix into a rectangle about 10x12 inches, roughly half an inch thick. Your hands work fine for this, or grab a rolling pin. Now comes the fun stuff add spinach leaves across the surface but leave an inch around the edges. Sprinkle your cooked mushrooms next, then scatter the cheese all over so it's evenly distributed.
- Roll It Up
- Now the parchment paper becomes your helper. Starting at one of the long sides, lift the paper to help you roll the meat mixture like you would a cinnamon roll. Keep rolling it snug to avoid air pockets in your spiral. After you've rolled it completely, press those edges and seams firmly together. This step really matters it keeps all that delicious cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Add Topping and Bake
- Move your meatloaf roll carefully onto a baking sheet, putting the seam on the bottom. Brush that tasty glaze all over every part of the surface. Stick it in your oven that's been heated to 375°F and let it cook for about 45-50 minutes total, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F inside. You'll know it's done when the glaze looks sticky and maybe some cheese bubbles out a bit.
- Cool and Slice
- Let your finished meatloaf sit for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This waiting period helps everything firm up inside so your slices look nice and neat. Cut too soon and all the juices will run out. Add a quick brush of extra glaze just before you serve it for the best look.
Tricks for Perfect Results
- Turkey Selection: Get the freshest lean turkey you can find for best flavor.
- Handle With Care: Your meatloaf stays softer when you don't mix it too much.
- Don't Rush: The rolling step works better if you go slow and let the paper help.
- Play With Toppings: Switch up your glazes for totally different flavors.
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Tasty Twists To Try
- Go for a mozzarella filling with Italian sauce on top
- Brush with BBQ sauce instead of ketchup glaze
- Skip the rolling and mix all ingredients together for a quicker version
- Adjust ingredients to make it suitable for food allergies
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Your meatloaf will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days or stick portions in the freezer for up to 3 months. It tastes amazing reheated or even cold between bread slices the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why roll with parchment paper?
It keeps the rolling process smooth and prevents sticking to surfaces.
- → Can I swap the cheese?
Of course, any cheese that melts nicely will do the job.
- → Why let it sit before slicing?
It helps everything settle, so slices come out cleanly.
- → Can I prep it early?
You can assemble it the day before and store it in the fridge until baking.
- → What’s the purpose of mushrooms?
They make the turkey mix juicier and boost its flavor.