GTL - Ground Turkey Loaf

The New Year brought some sickness to our house. We are just trying to stay healthy over here. The Hubs has been struggling with a few bugs, and I ended up with a flu, so cooking has been a seriously low priority. We've been on the soup and broth train, but we were in need of a good filling meal. Enter the humble meatloaf. For some reason Meatloaf has a bad stigma, which is something I have never been able to figure out. I love meatloaf! Also, I have never had a bad meatloaf. Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe meatloaf gets a bad rap. Most people say that it is mushy, or tasteless, I can guarantee you this recipe is anything but that.

My best friends mom always made meatloaf cupcakes, initially it grossed me out...but it always tasted delicious. Now that I'm older and making my own meatloaf, I totally understand it. It took the cooking time way down, she is so smart. I'm still not sold on the cupcakes, maybe one day soon I will try them. I am only cooking for two here, so I always make a one pound meatloaf. It might look a little dinky but it makes enough for a meal & lunch the next day, plus it cooks way quicker.

A few years ago I lost a little love for beef. I still don't know why, but one day I just wasn't loving it anymore. I still love a good hamburger now & then, but at home I'm always using ground turkey. So when I began doing that, I didn't even hesitate to use it for a meatloaf. Turns out it's delicious! Don't knock it, if you haven't tried it. I also used oats as a binder, but I'm a big believer in using what's available at the time. So breadcrumbs or crushed crackers would work fine here. I've used both in the past with no issues.

I am also crazy about the ketchup on the top. I know there are so many people who don't like that or don't understand it. For me, that's what makes the meatloaf. Since I'm always trying to learn more about nutrition, I have know idea why I add sugar to the ketchup....but I just can't help it!! It tastes so good. It's also something my mom always did, so maybe it is nostalgia more than anything. I guess I can work on that in the future.

This meatloaf is pretty flavorful, which is just the way we like it. Ground turkey can dry out if you're not careful, but that is where the Parmesan cheese come into play. Not only does it bring that savory rich flavor, it helps keep everything moist. A big plus to using ground turkey is that there will be less grease, since it is a leaner meat. If you've made meatloaf with beef you understand why this is a big plus, when it's done cooking it won't be sitting in that "gross" puddle of grease. I hope you enjoy this recipe

---

• 1 lb, Ground Turkey

• 2 cloves, Garlic minced (1 Tbsp)

• 1 Egg

• 1 tsp, Oregano

• 1 tsp, Thyme

• 1 tsp, Worcestershire Sauce

• 1/4 c Oatmeal

• 1/4 c Parmesan cheese

• Salt and Pepper

• 2 Tbsp + 1/4 c Ketchup - divided

• 1 tbsp, brown sugar

• Preheat oven 350 Degrees

• Mix together 1/4 c ketchup + 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Mix remaining ingredients together in a large bowl with your hands ( I like to wear gloves). Shape into a loaf shape & place in oiled pan

• Top the meatloaf with the ketchup sauce

• Bake 40 minutes - let cool before slicing & serving

#turkey #meatloaf