Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly moist turkey meatloaf, glazed with a tangy cranberry sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another boring weeknight dinner - it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, this recipe promises to be a game-changer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cups mixed beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the turkey mixture to the prepared baking pan, shaping it into a uniform loaf. Ensure the mixture is compact and evenly distributed.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cranberry sauce until smooth. Spread half of the cranberry glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the mixed beans almondine. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the drained and rinsed mixed beans to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the beans and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Brush with the remaining cranberry glaze.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside the mixed beans almondine. Garnish with additional toasted almonds if desired.
Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently to avoid a tough, dense texture. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it retain its moisture and make slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the meatloaf mixture.
- Toast the almonds just until they're lightly golden to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
- If you don't have cranberry sauce, you can substitute with raspberry or current jelly for a similar sweet-tangy glaze.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
