All the Cozy Flavors of Thanksgiving in One Juicy, Savory Loaf!
This comfort food masterpiece transforms classic holiday flavors into a moist, herb-packed turkey meatloaf with a stuffing crust and rich homemade gravy. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or using up leftovers!
📝 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 4 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix, divided
- 4 cups turkey stock, divided (reserve 2 cups for gravy)
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups onion, finely diced
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Bell’s Seasoning (or 1 tsp each sage, thyme, marjoram)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 lbs ground turkey (85% lean for moisture)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups reserved turkey stock
- 3½ tbsp butter
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp Kitchen Bouquet (for color, optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Stuffing Base
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups stuffing mix + 2 cups stock. Let sit 10 mins to soften.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Melt 6 tbsp butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion, celery, and garlic until soft (~5 mins).
- Stir in Bell’s Seasoning, then cool slightly.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- Process remaining 1 cup stuffing into fine crumbs.
- To the soaked stuffing, add:
- Ground turkey
- Eggs, salt, pepper
- Cooled veggies
- Stuffing crumbs
- Mix gently (don’t overwork).
4. Shape & Bake
- Line a sheet pan with parchment; spray with oil.
- With wet hands, shape into a 9×5-inch loaf.
- Bake 55-60 mins until 155°F (68°C) internally.
- Rest 15 mins (temp will rise to 165°F/74°C).
5. Make the Gravy
- Melt 3½ tbsp butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour; cook 2-3 mins until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups hot stock.
- Add Kitchen Bouquet, then simmer until thickened.
🌟 Pro Tips
🍗 Juicy Meatloaf Secrets:
- Use 85% lean turkey—too lean = dry.
- Don’t overmix—keeps texture tender.
- Bake on a sheet pan (not a loaf pan) for crispy edges.
🥧 Gravy Perfection:
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
- No Kitchen Bouquet? Add 1 tsp soy sauce for color.
⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Freeze unbaked loaf for 3 months (thaw overnight before baking).
- Leftovers? Slice for sandwiches or crumble into soups.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works, but may be less flavorful.
2. No Bell’s Seasoning?
Mix:
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- ½ tsp rosemary
3. Why is my meatloaf crumbly?
- Needs more binder → Add 1 extra egg.
- Overmixed → Handle gently.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use GF stuffing mix and GF flour for gravy.
5. How to prevent sticking?
- Wet hands when shaping.
- Parchment paper is essential!
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Turkey & Stuffing Meatloaf is holiday comfort food reinvented—hearty, flavorful, and smothered in rich gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for the ultimate feast!
“All the nostalgia of Thanksgiving, none of the stress!” 🧡
Tag your creations #HolidayMeatloafMagic
