Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 1 hour
How Many Servings?
8 servings
Table of Contents
Easy Breadless Turkey Meatloaf: I’m passionate about food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and I believe in creating nutritious dishes that are as delicious as they are wholesome. Today, I’m excited to share a simple, hearty, and mouth-watering turkey meatloaf recipe that’s heart-healthy and Keto-friendly.
Meatloaf is a beloved classic, and I’ve given it a fresh twist with exciting Mediterranean flavors. The combination of basil, parsley, and Aleppo pepper (or black pepper, if you prefer) enhances the juiciness of the ground turkey. I’ve replaced breadcrumbs with a walnut meal for a meatier, protein-packed main dish. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe!
Breadless Meatloaf Main Ingredients
- Ground Turkey (White, Red, or a Combination): The star of the show, ground turkey serves as the lean and protein-rich base for this meatloaf. You can use white, red, or a combination of both, based on your preference.
- Walnuts: Walnuts play a crucial role in this recipe, replacing traditional breadcrumbs. They add a hearty texture and contribute extra protein, making this meatloaf a nutritious choice.
- Carrots, Sweet Onion, and Jalapeño: This trio of ingredients provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Carrots add a hint of sweetness, while sweet onion and jalapeño bring depth and a touch of heat to the meatloaf.
- Parsley and Basil: Fresh parsley and basil infuse the meatloaf with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. They add a burst of freshness and a fragrant herbaceousness to the dish.
- Aleppo Pepper and Cumin: Aleppo pepper and cumin are the spice stars of this meatloaf, imparting a mild, smoky heat and earthy warmth, respectively. They enhance the overall flavor profile with a Mediterranean twist.
- Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add depth and umami richness to the meatloaf. They bring a savory, slightly tangy note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
How Do I Know When My Turkey Meatloaf is Done?
- Use a Reliable Cooking Thermometer: Investing in a reliable cooking thermometer is the most accurate way to determine the doneness of your turkey meatloaf. Ensure that the thermometer is properly calibrated.
- Check the Temperature: As you approach the end of the cooking time, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Avoid Overcooking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven promptly once it reaches the recommended temperature. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so there’s no need to leave it in the oven beyond this point.
What Should I Serve with Meatloaf?
- Mashed Potatoes: Traditional mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting choice to accompany turkey meatloaf. Alternatively, you can make mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
- Oven-Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans are fantastic side dishes. They provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste to the meatloaf.
- Sweet Potatoes: Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory combination that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
How to Make Easy Breadless Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Preparation
1.
Preheat the oven to 375F. Add the walnuts to a food processor. Hit pulse a few times until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Add the parsley and basil and continue pulsing until finely chopped. Remove the nut mixture and set it aside.
Mark as complete
2.
Add the garlic to the food processor and pulse. Next, incorporate the carrot sticks and onion chunks and keep pulsing. If desired, add the jalapeno pepper. Remove excess water from the onion mixture via a strainer or paper towel.
Mark as complete
3.
Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion mixture and sauté it for two minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and continue to sauté until lightly browned.
Mark as complete
4.
Remove the onion mixture from the heat and allow it to cool before mixing it with the walnut mixture. Blend together well.
Mark as complete
5.
Combine the ground turkey with the walnut and onion mixture in a large bowl. Add salt, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Incorporate the mix thoroughly.
Mark as complete
6.
Pack the meat into a 9x5 loaf pan. Whisk the tomato paste with one tablespoon of olive oil, Worcester sauce, and pine nuts in a small bowl and brush the mixture on top of the turkey loaf.
Mark as complete
7.
Bake the loaf uncovered for 20 minutes before covering it with foil and continuing to bake for another 50 minutes. Bring to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Mark as complete
Print & Share This Recipe!
This fast, simple, and hearty breadless turkey meatloaf is a favorite for a reason! Satisfy your meatloaf craving without sacrificing your health goals with heart-healthy turkey and keto-friendly ingredients.
Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 1 hour
How Many Servings?
8 servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 1 ½ cups walnuts | |
| ¾ cup Italian parsley leaves | |
| ½ cup fresh basil leaves | |
| 6 garlic cloves | |
| 2 carrots (peeled and cut into semi-small sticks) | |
| 1 large sweet onion (cut down into large chunks) | |
| 1 small seedless jalapeno (optional) | |
| 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided 3 and 1) | |
| 2 lbs. 6 oz ground turkey | |
| 1 tablespoon salt | |
| 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin | |
| 1 ½ tablespoon tomato paste | |
| 2 oz pine nuts (lightly toasted and coarsely ground) | |
| 2 tablespoon Worcester sauce |
Preparation
1
Preheat the oven to 375F. Add the walnuts to a food processor. Hit pulse a few times until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Add the parsley and basil and continue pulsing until finely chopped. Remove the nut mixture and set it aside.
2
Add the garlic to the food processor and pulse. Next, incorporate the carrot sticks and onion chunks and keep pulsing. If desired, add the jalapeno pepper. Remove excess water from the onion mixture via a strainer or paper towel.
3
Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion mixture and sauté it for two minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and continue to sauté until lightly browned.
4
Remove the onion mixture from the heat and allow it to cool before mixing it with the walnut mixture. Blend together well.
5
Combine the ground turkey with the walnut and onion mixture in a large bowl. Add salt, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Incorporate the mix thoroughly.
6
Pack the meat into a 9x5 loaf pan. Whisk the tomato paste with one tablespoon of olive oil, Worcester sauce, and pine nuts in a small bowl and brush the mixture on top of the turkey loaf.
7
Bake the loaf uncovered for 20 minutes before covering it with foil and continuing to bake for another 50 minutes. Bring to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Can Turkey Meatloaf Be Frozen?
Yes! I understand how busy life can get, so I love introducing recipes that can be prepared and frozen for a fast meal later. Could you wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed, freezer-safe container? From here, it should keep for 2-3 months. If you have eaten some turkey loaves and want to save the leftovers in the fridge, it will be safe to reheat and eat for 4-5 days.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Never Miss a Recipe
Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!
I would love to hear your experience!
Have you made this keto-friendly treadless turkey meatloaf recipe yet? have you changed anything? I love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment below