When fall rolls around and the air turns crisp, there are two dishes that tug at the heartstrings of comfort food lovers everywhere: savory meatloaf and classic holiday stuffing. But what if you didn’t have to choose between them?
Introducing the ultimate cozy dinner twist—Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf. It's like Thanksgiving and Sunday dinner had a delicious baby. This isn't your grandma’s meatloaf (though she’d totally approve). It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with herbs, spices, and a stuffing surprise in every bite.
🧆 The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This dish was born out of leftover brilliance. Picture this: It’s the week after Thanksgiving, and the fridge is an awkward game of Tetris—containers of turkey, spoonfuls of stuffing, and just enough gravy to argue over. That’s when the magic happens. Mix ground turkey with stuffing? Genius. Bake it into a loaf? Revolutionary.
Fast forward to today, and it’s a go-to comfort meal that requires no leftovers—just fresh ingredients and an appetite for something truly hearty.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
1½ lbs ground turkey (lean, but not too lean)
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (like Stove Top or homemade, if you’re fancy)
2 large eggs
½ cup milk or chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheese for a savory edge
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
👨🍳 How to Make It
Preheat & Prep: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan or line with parchment.
Mix the Good Stuff: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, dry stuffing mix, eggs, milk/broth, onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Use your hands—embrace the squish.
Form the Loaf: Press mixture into the loaf pan or shape free-form on a lined baking sheet.
Top It Off: Mix glaze ingredients and brush over the top. This adds sweetness and moisture.
Bake: Pop it in the oven for 50–60 minutes. Internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C).
Rest & Slice: Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. You want it to hold together like a champ.
🍽 Why You’ll Love It
One-pan wonder: Everything’s mixed into one dish.
Holiday flavors year-round: Sage, onion, turkey, stuffing—it’s Thanksgiving any time you want.
Kid and freezer friendly: Make a double batch, freeze one. Future you will be grateful.
🎉 Fun Variations
Add chopped cranberries for a sweet-tart zing.
Drizzle with turkey gravy instead of glaze.
Use cornbread stuffing for a Southern flair.
Throw in chopped spinach or carrots for bonus veggies.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf isn’t just a clever combo—it’s a celebration of all the things we love about comforting, hearty meals. Whether you’re chasing those Thanksgiving vibes or just want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgic joy.
So grab your loaf pan and get stuffing. Literally.
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