Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf 
Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf 
Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
This stunningly moist and super delicious BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is always a treat whenever I make it – usually once a year. It’s so simple to pull together and the Homemade BBQ Sauce always make it extra special. Imagine a slightly smoky flavor coming out of your indoor oven and you will certainly be drooling as you smell it baking.
Halfway through the cooking I always hear footsteps racing down the stairs and I say, “Here he comes.” And then my son smiles his way into the kitchen saying, “Mom, what smells so good in here.” And I say, “Your favorite once a year BBQ Turkey Meatloaf.” Eager to eat it, he asks, “When is it going to be ready?” I’ll call you when it’s ready.
The BBQ Sauce is always a hit so we add extra on the side. What’s more leftovers taste even better and we do BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Sandwiches. Why not? It simply tastes super good.
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Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
A super moist and tender BBQ Turkey Meatloaf. It's easy to make and great for any weeknight or weekend dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 30 ritz crackers crumbled panko style (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup milk I used carnation or whole milk
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3/4 large onion diced (or use 1 medium whole onion)
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 hot pepper diced (eg. Jalapeño) – seeded optional
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust to your dietary requirement
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (can use sweet paprika)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (I use a homemade sauce ) Link in Notes/Summary.
- Optional: Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish.
Instructions
Preheat oven 350 degrees
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In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onion, hot pepper, thyme and garlic for 5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent. Turn off the heat and set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine the crackers and milk. Mix.
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In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, beaten eggs, worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, onion mixture, cracker/milk mixture, and 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce.
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Mix together thoroughly. I use my hands but you can use a spoon.
Note: The mixture will look and feel very soft/somewhat liquidy, but will be firm enough to mold into a rectangular shape.
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Pour the turkey mixture onto the center of the sheet pan – in one pile.
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Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to even out the top and shape the sides to form a one-inch thick rectangle.
Note: Alternatively you can use a greased loaf pan.
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Spread the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce on top of the shaped meatloaf.
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Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165 to 175 degrees.
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Rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
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Serve and enjoy with your favorite side.
Recipe Notes
Optional: I usually add 2 teaspoons Hickory Liquid Smoke to the sauce when I make the sauce for this meatloaf. I find liquid smoke in the condiments section in my grocery store.
You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular crackers.
