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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1/2 cup fresh cranberry sauce - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1 large egg - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup carrot, grated - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried thyme - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish I love using ground turkey because it is lean and full of flavor. The fresh cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart touch. Orange juice brightens the dish and makes it feel fresh. The egg helps bind everything together. I often add finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and celery. These veggies not only add taste but also moisture. Garlic gives it a nice kick. I use breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf light. Thyme, salt, and pepper are my go-to seasonings. They bring out the best in the turkey. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding shredded mozzarella cheese. It melts nicely and keeps the meatloaf moist. Finally, I love to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds color and a fresh taste. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 1/2 cup grated carrot - 1/4 cup finely chopped celery - 2 cloves minced garlic - 1/2 cup fresh cranberry sauce - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1 large egg - 1 tsp dried thyme - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - Mix well with your hands or a spatula. Avoid overmixing for a tender loaf. - If using, fold in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. - Shape the mixture into a neat loaf and pack it into a loaf pan. - In a small bowl, whisk together: - Additional cranberry sauce - A splash of orange juice - Brush this glaze over the top of the meatloaf for extra flavor. - Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. - Bake for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes to keep it juicy. To keep your meatloaf juicy, don't overmix the meat mixture. Mixing too much makes it tough. Just combine until everything is blended. After baking, let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay inside when you slice it. You can boost the taste by adding herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary works well. You might also try garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. If you like cheese, fold in some shredded mozzarella. It adds creaminess and moisture to the meatloaf. The glaze should be thick but spreadable. If it is too runny, add more cranberry sauce. For a twist, try mixing in a bit of honey or mustard. This adds new flavors to your glaze and keeps it exciting. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat for a new taste. Ground beef or chicken both work well. This change can add richer flavors or a lighter touch. If you have a gluten allergy, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs hold the meatloaf together without the gluten. You can still enjoy a delicious meal without worry. Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes to the mix. This spice brings warmth and a kick to every bite. You can also add seasonal items like diced sweet potatoes or chopped apples. These ingredients add a sweet twist that pairs well with the glaze. Try a slow cooker for this recipe. It makes the meatloaf tender and juicy. Just mix the ingredients as usual and place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about six hours. Another fun idea is cooking the meatloaf in muffin tins. This gives you cute, individual servings. Plus, they cook faster and are perfect for kids! To store leftover meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the meatloaf fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely. Slice it into portions if you like. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the meatloaf for up to three months. When ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. For reheating, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Leftover meatloaf can be used in many ways. Chop it up and add it to pasta for a quick meal. You can also make meatloaf sandwiches. Just add your favorite toppings. Another idea is to crumble it over a salad for extra protein. These options make meal prep easy and fun! To bake your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatloaf, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook it for 45 to 55 minutes. The meatloaf is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. This ensures you enjoy a safe and tasty meal. Yes, you can use ground beef instead of turkey. Ground beef offers a richer flavor. It may also be juicier, but it can be higher in fat. If you want a leaner option, turkey is better. Both will work well with the cranberry orange glaze. Pair your meatloaf with fresh sides for balance. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted Brussels sprouts - A crisp garden salad These sides will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the meatloaf. Enjoy the variety! In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatloaf. We covered main and optional ingredients that enhance taste. The step-by-step instructions guide you to bake it perfectly. I shared tips to avoid dryness and add flavor. Different variations and storage tips make it easy to customize. Try this recipe for a tasty meal that’s simple and satisfying. It’s a great dish for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy your cooking!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatloaf

Looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish? Try this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Meatloaf! It’s easy to make with ground turkey, fresh cranberry sauce, and a hint of orange juice for a sweet and savory flavor that will please everyone's palate. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe will become a favorite. Click through to discover how to create this mouthwatering meatloaf and impress your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (approximately 450g) ground turkey

1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs

1/2 cup (75g) onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup (50g) carrot, grated

1/4 cup (40g) celery, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup (125g) fresh cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice

1 large egg

1 tsp (1g) dried thyme

1 tsp (7g) salt

1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper

1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it's ready for even cooking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, finely chopped celery, and minced garlic.

      Add the cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, egg, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

        If you're using mozzarella cheese, gently fold it into the mixture at this point for added flavor and moisture.

          Spoon the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it neatly into an even loaf form. Ensure the mixture is packed well for easier slicing later.

            In a small bowl, whisk together a bit of additional cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice to create a glossy glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf, adding a fruity layer of flavor.

              Carefully place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

                Once finished, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and enhancing flavor.

                  Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

                    Vorbereitungszeit: 15 minutes | Gesamtzeit: 1 hour | Portionen: 6