Are you tired of boring, dry meatloaves that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to transform your dinner table with this incredible Greek-inspired turkey zucchini meatloaf that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with Mediterranean flavors, sneaky vegetables, and protein-rich ground turkey, this recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that will make your family beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly. This prevents the meatloaf from becoming watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing down gently to create an even surface. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the meatloaf hold its shape and retain moisture.
- Slice into 6 even portions and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional crumbled feta cheese.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Always squeeze out excess water from grated zucchini to prevent a soggy meatloaf. Use a clean kitchen towel and press firmly.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender. Overmixing can make the texture tough and dense.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help it retain moisture and hold its shape when slicing.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh mint or dill to enhance the Greek-inspired profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This meatloaf can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
