Thanksgiving-Style Turkey Meatloaf

This recipe is a great alternative to traditional meatloaf. It's delicious using veggies and ground turkey to compliment one another. The white gravy adds a sense of the holiday season with its wonderful aroma and flavor. Please be aware, measurements are estimates as I use the Italian-style 'to taste' method of cooking. Go with what feels right!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 308 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten slightly
• ¾ cup regular rolled oats
• ½ cup fresh green beans, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 teaspoon bay leaf, crumbled
• ¼ pound thinly sliced pancetta

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch square baking dish.

Step 2

Mix the ground turkey with the eggs, onion, rolled oats, green beans, cranberries, rosemary, and bay leaf in a large bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend the ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the ground turkey mixture over the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with a layer of pancetta.

Step 3

Bake the meatloaf in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check for doneness when juices run clear, and an internal thermometer inserted into the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Step 4

Meanwhile, to make the gravy, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes paste-like and light brown. Stir in the garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, and continue cooking and whisking until desired thickness is reached. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve spooned over sliced meatloaf.