Turkey Meatloaf With Cranberry Glaze

by Diana Rattray

This turkey meatloaf is a combination of familiar holiday flavors: turkey, poultry seasoning, breadcrumbs, and cranberry sauce. Whole cranberry sauce adds texture and tangy flavor when mixed with chili sauce.

Ground turkey makes a tasty meatloaf, and this one is my favorite. I like a combination of ground turkey and ground pork for a moist meatloaf. If you use all turkey, look for ground turkey thighs less than 90 percent lean. If too lean, add some chopped bacon, pork belly, or butter to add extra fat. The last photo, below, shows the meatloaf made with 93% turkey and no added fat. The flavor was very good, but, as you can see, it was dense and less moist.

How To Make Turkey Meatloaf

This meatloaf is a snap to throw together. I use soft breadcrumbs processed in my food processor. Use white, wheat, or sourdough bread to make the crumbs. Here are the simple steps:

1. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and heat the oven.

1. Combine some of the cranberry sauce with some chili sauce and stir to mix.
2. Combine the turkey and pork—or all turkey—in a bowl with 1/3 cup of the cranberry-chili sauce mixture, lightly beaten egg, bread crumbs, finely chopped onion, and seasonings.

1. Mix lightly but thoroughly and pack it loosely in the prepared loaf pan.

1. Bake the turkey meatloaf for 1 hour, then add the remaining cranberry-chili sauce mixture glaze and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until it registers at least 165 F.

1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and slice.

1. Serve the turkey meatloaf with reserved cranberry sauce on the side.

What To Serve With Turkey Meatloaf

This turkey meatloaf is flavored with poultry seasoning and a tangy cranberry and chili sauce glaze. Here are some ideas for side dishes.

• Potatoes – Serve the turkey meatloaf with roasted or scalloped potatoes, baked potatoes, or mashed. A sweet potato casserole would be an excellent choice as well.
• Vegetables – Green beans, spinach, glazed carrots, creamed peas, or a vegetable gratin.
• Salad – Coleslaw or a tossed green salad.
• Bread – Flaky biscuits, focaccia, or garlic butter crescent rolls.
• Other – A classic bread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, or Instant Pot risotto.

How To Store Leftover Turkey Meatloaf

• Refrigerate leftover turkey meatloaf in a covered container and enjoy it within 4 days.
• To freeze leftover meatloaf, wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil and place in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the name and date and eat within 3 months. Defrost frozen leftover meatloaf in the fridge overnight.

Turkey Meatloaf Variations

• Hide veggies in the meatloaf for your picky eaters. Finely shredded carrots, minced celery, spinach, and peppers are all good options.
• For extra texture and flavor, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or cheddar-jack cheese.
• Replace the poultry seasoning with herbes de Provence or fines herbes.
• Use fresh herbs: Use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped sage, 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves, and 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
• Italian: Replace the cranberry sauce chili sauce mixture with marinara sauce or pizza sauce and replace the poultry seasoning with Italian seasoning. Add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

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