Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf

The first time I had a version of this Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf it was a gift from a friend right after I had my daughter.  Anyone who has come home from the hospital after having a child knows that it is unlikely they will be cooking any time in the near future.  So it was such a thoughtful, much needed and delicious surprise!  My husband and I devoured it.  This is saying a LOT because my husband doesn't usually like meatloaf (he says that meat doesn't belong in the "loaf" form).  Totally cracks me up:-)  He loves this meatloaf though.  Years later, he also fell for Curried Chicken Meatloaf too.  So maybe he just doesn't go for ground beef in "loaf" form?

Making the Meatloaf

On to the Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf at hand.  I adjusted the original recipe to make it gluten free after I was diagnosed with celiac disease.  I also added a yummy, crunchy topping.  I just love crunchy toppings.  The meatloaf has a wonderful mix of herbs and seasonings that add a ton of flavor.  I use oatmeal to absorb moisture and hold it together, so there aren't any eggs in the mix.  I usually make it with ground turkey.  But I have also made it with ground chicken, which is great too.

This is such an easy meatloaf to put together.  All of the ingredients for the meatloaf go in one bowl.  You mix it up by hand, which is a messy, necessary evil, but somebody has do it... uhg.  I put the topping ingredients in a plastic baggy, drizzle with oil, shake it up and it is ready to go.  I transfer the meatloaf mix into the baking dish.  Then I sprinkle the toppings on and in the oven it goes.  Then I relax on the couch while my husband gives me a back massage and the kids quietly read books... NOT!  What fantasyland was I just in?!?!

Serving the Italian Style Meatloaf

This meatloaf is great with Perfect Baked Potatoes and steamed green beans (as I made the day I took these pics).  It would also be great with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Gourmet Potatoes, Roasted Green Beans, Roasted Broccoli or Garlicky Brussels Sprouts.  Or a salad like Kicked Up Kale Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing.  So many awesome options!!

Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf

5 from 3 votes

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Servings: 8 servings

Calories:

Ingredients  

2x3x4x

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 Lbs ground turkey or chicken
• 1 cup gluten free oatmeal - I use Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned or Quick Cook varieties
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoon gluten free Worcestershire Sauce - I use Lea & Perrins
• 2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup ketchup - plus more for serving
• salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup gluten free bread crumbs - homemade or store bought
• sprinkle garlic powder
• sprinkle Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• drizzle olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• In a large bowl combine all meatloaf ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly combined. I find that using my hands is the best (but unfortunately messiest) way.
• Put mixture into a loaf pan and press down to get any air pockets out.
• In a small bowl, combine cheese, breadcrumbs and seasonings. Gradually drizzle a little olive oil in while mixing. Once it resembles damp sand it is good to go! Sprinkle on top of the meatloaf in an even layer.
• Place meatloaf in oven and bake for 30 minutes uncovered. Then cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Remove from oven and let rest for another 15 minutes before cutting into it.