Grandpa Joe's
Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf

Inspired by the Thanksgiving Burger served at The Ace restaurant in Toronto.

About this recipe

Thanksgiving is perhaps my favorite day of the year.  Thanksgiving unofficially begins the end-of-year holiday season and traditionally means (for me, at least) an excuse to cook a larger-than-really-necessary turkey with stuffing and all the proverbial trimmings!

So when I saw Chef prepare his Thanksgiving Burger, I began imagining how his technique would work as a meatloaf.  Something that could be prepared easily any time of year.  This recipe is the result.  I particularly like serving it with Whipped Potatoes and one of my three cranberry sauces.

Ingredients - Stuffing

  • 4 cups bread cubes, about 6 slices
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • ½ cup celery, diced
  • ½ cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon rubbed sage

Ingredients - Meatloaf

  • ¾ pounds ground turkey breast (white meat)
  • ¾ pounds ground turkey thigh (dark meat)
  • 1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup onion, minced
  • ¼ cup catsup
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon prepared mustard

Directions - Stuffing

  1. Cut the bread into ½-inch cubes.  (See Notes.)
  2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a sauté pan.  Add the onions, celery, and carrots and sauté over medium heat until they are soft and translucent. 
  3. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.  Add the seasonings and mix thoroughly.  Simmer for one minute.
  4. Combine the chicken stock mixture with the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.  Toss gently to mix.  Add more stock if the dressing is too dry.  Also, taste, and add additional seasonings if necessary.

Directions - Meatloaf

  1. Combine all the ingredients and mix well. 
  2. Divide the mixture into thirds and place two-thirds in a loaf pan.  Gently press the meat to form (approximately) a one-inch layer on the bottom and on all four sides of the pan, leaving a cavity for the stuffing.
  3. Gently press the stuffing mixture into the meat cavity.
  4. Gently press the remaining meat mixture over the top of the stuffing to create a new top for the meatloaf.
  5. Bake the loaf in a preheat 350° F for one hour.
Turkey meatloaf cavity filled with stuffing.
Ready for the oven.
Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf.

Notes

  • Two- or three-day old (i.e., slightly dry) white bread works best for this recipe.
Posted: April 2016.