I’ve had a bee in my bonnet for the last few weeks. The bee in my bonnet was meatloaf shaped and dang persistent.
I’ll be the first to admit that meatloaf is kind of a weird thing to make these days. Is it retro cool or vintage chic yet? Or is it still just… meatloaf?
This meatloaf features ground turkey, crispy cooked bacon, deeply caramelized onions, and softened garlic. It’s lighter than a beef meatloaf but boy of boy does the bacon pull off a miracle in this meatloaf. It’s all the salty and savory I needed to calm the bee in my bonnet.
I imagine that if I had an actual bee in my bonnet, it would be far less delicious and basically a panic situation. But really, why am I wearing a bonnet in the first place? Asking for trouble.
Let’s start with chopped onions, garlic, and chopped bacon in a sauté pan. It’s a very good beginning!
It would be so tempting to take a fork to this browned goodness, but that would be a mistake. That would be where this recipe starts and ends. It’s hard to resist spoonful after spoonful. Friendly warning.
Torn bread bits are soaked in milk helping to keep the meatloaf light and not so dense. Beaten eggs will help bind the loaf together.
Loaves are shaped, rustic style, on a lined baking sheet. I cut bacon slices in half and draped them over the unbaked loaves. The extra bacon will help keep the meatloaf moist and delicious while the fat absorbs into the meatloaf. Trouble, right?
Ketchup, dijon mustard, and a bit of brown sugar are combined in a saucepan and then generously…. seriously generously brushed over the unbaked meatloaf. It’s a delicious protective coating that will caramelize in the oven.
After baking the meatloaves (is that a thing?) are browned and rich. You can enjoy the same day oooorrrrr refrigerate the loaves, slice them thick the next day and make cold meatloaf sandwiches. This recipe makes plenty of portions for a warm meatloaf dinner (with mashed potatoes and gravy like whoa!) and a few sandwiches the following day.
For cold meatloaf sandwiches, I combined toasted white bread, spicy mustard, and big wedges of iceberg lettuce. The perfect sandwich situation.
Turkey and Bacon Meatloaf
makes 2 small loaves
2 slices soft white bread, torn into pieces
1 cup whole milk
1 large yellow onion, diced.
1 cup diced raw bacon, plus 3 strips of raw bacon cut in half for cooking the loaf
1 clove garlic, minced
2 pounds ground turkey breast
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Set aside so the bread can absorb the milk.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, stir together the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bacon. Allow to cook down and brown until the entire mixture is well browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl combine ground turkey, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add the milk soaked bread and discard any remaining milk. Add the cooked onions, garlic, and bacon. Stir together with a large spoon until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Divide the mixture in half and form each portion into an oblong mound on the prepared baking sheet. Top with the bacon strips.
To make the glaze, combine ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just starting to boil. Remove from heat and use a pastry brush to paint a thick layer of glaze onto each loaf.
Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Allow the loaves to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Meatloaf can be served warm from the oven or cold from the fridge.
Veronica Schmitt
Hi, I am wondering if you wring out (for lack of a better term) the milk from the bread, or do you leave it very wet? I have made this recipe a million times, thank you, it is delicious, but I always want to ask this question!! My family always like pressed the milk out of the bread, and I menationed this to a friend and she was stunned that i didnt put the wet bread in as is. Thanks!
John
Great idea to use turkey for meatloaf! We’ve been trying to eat less beef. I guess you need the bacon since the turkey is so lean. We’ll have to try this recipe soon! Thanks!
Shari
I made this last night, but I used turkey bacon. It was so delicious! I will definitely make this again! My boyfriend couldn’t stop complimenting me!!!!! Thanks for the recipe!!!!
Beth
I accidentally doubled the amount of red pepper flakes and it gave the recipe a real (but not overwhelming) “kick”! I’ve made this 3 or 4 times now.
Olivia
I made this for dinner last night with the intention of having leftovers for sandwiches today, but my husband loved it so much he inhaled the second loaf! Thanks for a great recipe!
mmm.
I make this meatloaf maybe twice a month for dinner, and me and my husband LOVE IT. It’s a staple in our household. It’s my favorite thing to make, i’ve even memorized the recipe because i’ve made it so many times. Before I made this meatloaf I had never had meatloaf at all before, and now I’m totally hooked! Although, whenever I order meatloaf in restaurants now, it’s never even close to how good this recipe is.
Ashna
WoW ! Look Awesome
Ashna Ash
Ellowmedia : https://www.ellowmedia.com
Samantha
This was fantastic first time making meatloaf…won’t be the last! Dubious husband was very impressed!
Sass
It looks so goooooooood. but ground turkey is impossible to get in Australia. turkey in general seems to only be a Christmas thing, and then as a whole bird for roasting. substitution suggestions?
Jamie
Just made this, and while I was a little skeptical especially after never using ground turkey before it was a hit! I never should have doubted you Joy, my family loved this and I can’t wait for sandwiches tomorrow!
Juliette
I have made this a couple of times now – it makes a perfect Sunday night dinner with enough leftovers to fill in lunches through the week. I usually use plain old sliced bacon cut into 1/2 inch bits, so I’ve found that I need to cook the bacon about 2/3’s of the way done before adding the onion (otherwise I end up with burned onion).
I’ve made it with parsley and with fresh thyme. It’s really delicious both ways. Last time, I used a mix of thyme and fresh spinach to sneak in some extra greens. The glaze is really the best part (but don’t tell the bacon). Thanks for such a versatile and fool-proof recipe.
Reba
joy, this meatloaf was amazing!!! you’re amazing! the flavors were out of this world. i cook so many things from your blog but rarely leave a comment. keep the good stuff coming.
Jessica
First time meatloaf-maker here! After comparing this recipe to other meatloaf recipes, I subbed ground beef instead of turkey, used 1 cup seasoned stuffing mix instead of the bread slices and added about a tablespoon of fresh parsley to the mix. It came out AMAZING! My boyfriend and I thought that making a little extra sauce to have on the side would have been nice. It was so good, definitely will repeat!
Jane Kim
Well DAMN!!!! Not only was this easy to make but shit it tasted AMAZING as well!! Thank you!
Mary Clay K.
Hi, Joy! Thinking about making this this week, but I want to halve it. What would you suggest doing about the egg? Leaving it whole? Using just the yolk? My meatloaf repertoire is small. Thanks!
Abby
Made this the other day and the boy loved it so much that I hardly got any. Thank you so much!
Emma
i’ve only had meatloaf once but it was absolutely delicious! This looks like a really great recipe.
Ana
I made it and it was yum :¬) but give us a gravy recipe will ya?!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures
Definately vintage chic! Meatloaf sandwiches are a favorite of mine :)
Meredith
Absolutely delicious!
Sarah
Thanks for this delicious looking recipe! I haven’t been able to pin the last couple recipes of yours, which makes me super sad, cause that’s how I track my recipes to make!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfam.blogspot.com
Actually, it sounds damn amazing! I havnt made meatloaf in several years when I too had “a bee in my bonet”. It was a bit different and delicious. This one will have to be next to make when meatloaf crisis hits.
Fawn @ Cowen Park Kitchen
Yes! I love turkey meatloaf. I sometimes make it with ground turkey thigh, which is richer and more moist than breast meat. But bacon. Of course it’s always welcome too!
Tamara
Ma! The meatloaf. It is such a forgotten traditional dish. I never understood why people are not into it. I mean it’s a loaf of meat. Say it with me LOAF + MEAT. Yum! Thanks for reminding me the deliciousness of the meatloaf. I love making it with turkey, it makes me feel better about eating a loaf of meat.
https://everydaytamara.com/
Best Trips For Couples
In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Set aside so the bread can absorb the milk.
Stephanie
Meat Loaf Sandwiches?! Joy you create the sandwiches of my dreams. Thank you.
Courtney @ Neighborfood
Putting ketchup in that beautiful scalloped tin makes it totally vintage chic. This is one lovely loaf/loaves(?).
ET
Meet a book cover with your doppelganger:
https://boingboing.net/2014/03/20/exclusive-excerpt-chapter-3-o.html
And it’s in New Orelans!
joythebaker
so weird, right!?
Anisa - The Macadame
This looks so delicious! I absolutely love your process shots – beautiful photos!
The Macadame. xx
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Gwen rice
Made this last night– it was divine! The homemade BBQ sauce on top was especially good! And the bacon…. So incredibly lovely. Great with roasted red potatoes and salads, looking forward to trying it in a sandwich!
DRAMA
So yummy!!!!!
Mikey F.
I’m suddenly super hungry & I’ve just had breakfast… Meatloaf is one of my favourite things.. It is not done enough in my house… I will be trying this pretty soon… I always enjoy your recipes!
Toodles! ;)
Mikey F.
yamit
Thanks for the wonderful recipe :)
What do you think can be a good substitute for milk (not dairy)??
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
Bonnets are definitely asking for trouble. I am so loving this recipe with the caramelised onions & bacon happening, thank you, Joy! Absolutely retro goodness, I’ve had meatloaf on my brain too. When I was a kid I hated it, though. Major meatloaf regret now. x
Jenn
I’m a vegetarian, but read this post ’cause I enjoy your blog even when you are writing about stuff I don’t eat! The paragraph about an actual bee in your bonnet cracked me up!
bakerkat
Meatloaf is a hard sell in my house since only I like it. But this turkey bacon meatloaf could change all that very easily. It looks so good I bet it tastes even better than it looks. I love meatloaf sandwiches too.
Rocky Mountain Woman
It’s funny, I’m not a big meatloaf fan, but I am a big meatloaf sandwich fan. I guess I have to make the first to get the second…
sundiegoeats
The meatloaf sounds pretty good but do not think I can get behind the cold meatloaf sandwich….
Mandy
I love meatloaf. It’s always been one of my favorite meals. I always got funny looks when I would say that as a kid *shrug* I can’t help myself. It’s so tasty!
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle
I can never decide what I want more when I make meatloaf, the the dinner – mashed potatoes and peas, or the sandwich, which to me a meatloaf sandwich is like one of those “life’s special little pleasures”. Your recipe looks perfect, I like how you glaze. ; )
cindyhgpv
We LOVE meatloaf in this house and I never make it…totally hip in that vintage way. I’m pretty sure I’ll be thinking of cold meatloaf sandwiches until I get one in my life.
Taylor
You know, the reason why I’ve stayed away from meatloaf is because I can’t eat red meat, but I would be lying if I said this doesn’t sound totally delicious! I can’t wait to try this out!
Thank you!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
joythebaker
Let’s hear it for turkey meatloaf!
Pat
This recipe looks good. I’ve made turkey meatloaf with bacon…but I added some mushrooms too! The mushrooms add moisture. My son, who hates ‘shrooms, didn’t even know they were added because I diced them before browning!
Denise in Austin
So happy you are cooking and baking again in your new New Orleans home. NOLA is a wonderful place to hone your culinary skills.
Emily P
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to make meatloaf. Meatloaf sandwiches sound amazing!
Teri
Wow Joy this looks fabulous! Just ordered your book, can’t wait to try more or your receipes :)
Carissa
I think meatloaf is retro fabulous! I love making turkey meatloaf too, and sometimes I make mini meatloaf “muffins” in a muffin tin. More surface area = each muffin is it’s own crusty end piece!
Paige C
I’m so glad to see someone else share my love of cold meatloaf sandwiches!! I love meatloaf warm out of the oven, but nothing beats the anticipation of enjoying a meatloaf sandwich for lunch the day after!
peanutbutterandonion
I love that you show its possible to put in a sandwhich, I love meat loaf sandwhiches
joythebaker
It’s the best part of making meatloaf, aside from the edgy crusty pieces.
scaredycatkitchen
Oh man, I love a good meatloaf!
Rebekah
I loved when my mom made meatloaf as a kid, and now I can’t remember the last time I had it. Thanks for reminding me about the goodness that is meatloaf.
joythebaker
I think meatloaf and (leftover) sandwiches are in your future!
Lauren
This looks delish! And that picture of the browned onions/garlic/bacon is super helpful–it’s always nice to see how brown or cooked something should be. Thanks, as always! :)
Chris
Ah coma food. Er, comfort. NOMZ. ;-)
foodlikecake
Meat loaf is always awesome :-) yours looks delicious!
maryea {happy healthy mama}
I am not a meatloaf person, but this looks fabulous! I’m pretty sure my husband would adore this, so I might just have to give it a go. Thanks.
joythebaker
I bet if you made it and had a sandwich with it, you might change your mind!
Emily @ Life on Food
I kind of think meatloaf will always be meatloaf. But…MMMMMmmm meatloaf!
Belinda Lo (Moonblush Baker)
Nope meat loaf is always welcome; I need a cold slice of this in a sour dough roll! Love that glaze.
Skye
Meatloaf. Definitely retro cool. And very yummy. Great recipe call.
Three-Cookies
Meatloaf – bread made with meat instead of flour. I wonder which genius came up with this idea:) But I can guess it was Americans who added bacon to the equation.