Funfetti Meatloaf
As we move into spring, I start craving lighter iterations of our classic family favorites. I get asked often for recipes using ground turkey because it tends to be a bit less expensive and higher in protein. I love mixing our protein sources up since they all have different balances of amino acids that our bodies need. Ground turkey, however, tends to be very dry after cooking. So, I added little bits and bobs to add flavor and moisture. These little bits and bobs remind me of a funfetti cake with little specks of goodness throughout. Of course, you can substitute half ground beef and half Italian sausage instead of turkey for a more classic loaf if you’d like. I love when you take my recipes and make them your own! However you make it, I hope you enjoy.
Ingredients:
Makes 8 servings
2 tablespoons butter
2 carrots, diced small
1 small onion, finely diced
6 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 cup breadcrumbs (I blend stale sourdough bread to make mine!)
2 tablespoons chicken broth
2 eggs, well beaten
1 teaspoon mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
1 large handful of fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
2 pounds ground turkey
Topping:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the butter on medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot. Cook them, stirring every so often, until they are softened and getting golden on the edges. It should smell divine! Add the garlic and stir through then turn the heat off. Let them cool for a bit. Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix the egg with the breadcrumbs, chicken broth, mustard, ketchup, italian seasoning, salt, pepper, parmesan, and the chopped herbs. Add the slightly cooled veggies and mix together. Add the ground turkey and use your hands to knead the breadcrumb mixture with the meat. Plop the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and use your hands to pat it into a rectangle about 2 inches thick. It will be about 8X5 inches. Mix the 1/2 cup ketchup with the 2 tablespoons coconut sugar and pour it over the top. Bake until it’s nice and brown on the top and 165 degrees internally, it should take about 45 minutes to an hour. Let it cool for a few minutes and slice up to serve!
