Meatloaf Recipe with TWO Bonus Recipes

There are many different meatloaf recipes out there and I’ve tried many…this one is my favorite.  Not only is it delicious, but it’s a healthier version since it’s TURKEY meatloaf.  I typically don’t like making meatloaf and burgers with ground turkey because it just doesn’t have the same flavor and tends to be drier, but it turned out so stinkin’ moist!  Oh and let me just add that my son throws most of his meat on the floor, but he ate EVERY BITE!

Usually I wait for people’s response to my food and am ALWAYS finding ways to make it better, but when I took a bite of this (we had friends over), I blurted out, “Oh my gosh, this is so freaking good…man I’m good.”  Needless to say, I would definitely give this version a try!  Just as the amazing banana bread recipe from my mom, this recipe is also very similar to hers.  I also included a link towards the end to the biscuits you see pictured.  Oh.my.goodness.  It made 2 dozen mini biscuits and they were gone by the next morning.  Maybe that’s why I didn’t lose weight this week…dang it!

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground turkey (I used 93% lean)
1/2 onion
4-5 mushrooms (this adds flavor and acts as a filler) – This was new to my meatloaf, so it is definitely a plus!
15-18 saltine crackers, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
1-2 Tbsp. milk ( used 1) – I really don’t think it would make a difference if you didn’t put this in, but I’m sticking with it since it was good
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tsp. mustard
2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed

Directions:

1. Finely chop onion and mushrooms (I chop mine pretty small).  Then sauté them in a little olive oil (about 1-2 tsp.) until tender.  Let cool so you can handle since you’ll be using your hands to mix the meatloaf.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey and onion/mushroom mixture (don’t mix altogether until all ingredients are in the bowl).  Then add your crackers by crushing them with your hand (I crush two at a time).  Then add BEATEN eggs, milk, garlic powder, and salt. 
3. Using your hands, combine all the ingredients.  I like to smoosh it altogether a few times and then just fold over and over so I’m not over mixing it.  If you over mix, the meat may become tough.  You can youtube a video if you’re unsure.
4. Pour meat into a lightly greased loaf pan.  I like my meatloaf to be about about 3 inches high, although this last one I baked was only 2.  Just depends on your loaf pan.
5. Now time for the sauce – Mix ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar until creamy.  Pour over meatloaf.  If you have a larger loaf pan, you may want to add a little more.  This stuff is so good and really makes the recipe!
6. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Now what to do with your leftover meatloaf (if any)?  Make meatloaf sandwiches of course!  This is one of my favorite meals!  I love sandwiches, especially when I can use hoagie rolls. 

Just cut 1-2 slices of your meatloaf, depending on how big it is, and sauté it in a pan with a little bit of olive oil.  You’re basically heating this up and putting a little crisp to it.  If you’re lazy, just heat it up in the microwave.

Then put it between a hoagie roll.  I toast my bread in the oven with some light mayo on each side.  It’s good with melted cheese too. 

Have a LOAF of fun…haha…I crack myself up!