Description
This Cheesy Garlic Turkey Meatloaf puts a delicious twist on classic comfort food! Made with lean ground turkey, savory garlic, herbs, and a gooey cheesy center, every slice is juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s an easy high-protein dinner that feels indulgent while still being simple enough for a weeknight meal. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp ketchup
For the Cheesy Center:
- ¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons ketchup.
- Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Place about half of the turkey mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer.
- Make a shallow channel down the center and fill it with the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, keeping the cheese slightly away from the edges.
- Cover the cheese completely with the remaining turkey mixture and seal the edges well.
- Mix the topping ketchup with garlic powder and spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Can This Recipe Support Weight Loss Goals?
This meatloaf can fit into a portion-conscious, balanced eating plan. Lean turkey provides plenty of protein, while using measured amounts of cheese and breadcrumbs helps keep the recipe satisfying without making it unnecessarily heavy. Pairing it with vegetables or a fresh salad can create a well-rounded meal.
Does This Recipe Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?
Absolutely! Turkey, egg, Parmesan, and mozzarella provide a strong protein base. For an even more protein-focused meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables and a Greek-yogurt-based side instead of heavier sides.
Why You’ll Love It
- 🦃 Made with lean ground turkey
- 🧀 Gooey cheesy center
- 🧄 Delicious roasted garlic flavor
- 💪 Naturally high in protein
- 🍽️ Family-friendly comfort food
- 🔥 Easy oven-baked dinner
- 🥡 Great for leftovers and meal prep
Perfect For
- Weeknight family dinners
- High-protein meal plans
- Meal prepping
- Sunday dinner
- Comfort-food cravings
- Leftover sandwiches
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Tip: Let the meatloaf rest before cutting. This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps the cheesy center stay inside instead of spilling out when sliced.
