Spinach Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf: A Healthy and Delicious Twist on a Classic

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but it can sometimes be a bit bland and lacking in nutrients. This spinach stuffed turkey meatloaf recipe solves both of those problems! By using lean ground turkey and stuffing it with a flavorful mixture of spinach, cheese, and seasonings, you create a meatloaf that is both healthy and incredibly delicious.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s relatively easy to prepare, and it can be made ahead of time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for picky eaters. So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy meatloaf, give this spinach stuffed turkey meatloaf a try!

## Ingredients:

**For the Meatloaf:**

* 1.5 pounds ground turkey (lean)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
* 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**For the Spinach Stuffing:**

* 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

**For the Glaze (optional):**

* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

## Equipment:

* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl
* 9×5 inch loaf pan
* Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional, for lining the loaf pan)

## Instructions:

### 1. Prepare the Spinach Stuffing:

* If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces. You can lightly sauté the fresh spinach in a pan with a little olive oil and garlic for a few minutes to wilt it slightly. This helps reduce its volume and intensifies the flavor. Let it cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
* If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is crucial to prevent the stuffing from becoming watery and affecting the texture of the meatloaf.
* In a small mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Set the spinach stuffing aside.

### 2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
* Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meatloaf mixture, as this can make it tough. The goal is to incorporate all the ingredients without compacting the meat.

### 3. Assemble the Meatloaf:

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the meatloaf out of the pan after baking.
* Divide the meatloaf mixture in half. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even layer. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly and gently press it into the corners of the pan.
* Carefully spread the spinach stuffing evenly over the meatloaf layer in the loaf pan, leaving a small border around the edges. Make sure the stuffing is distributed uniformly to ensure every slice of the meatloaf has a good amount of spinach.
* Gently place the remaining meatloaf mixture on top of the spinach stuffing. Use your hands to carefully spread the mixture evenly over the stuffing, sealing the edges to prevent the stuffing from escaping during baking. Try to create a smooth and even surface for the meatloaf.

### 4. Bake the Meatloaf:

* If using the glaze, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
* Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf to check the temperature.
* If the top of the meatloaf starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.

### 5. Rest and Serve:

* Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
* After resting, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the loaf pan using the aluminum foil or parchment paper overhang, if you used it. If you didn’t line the pan, you can run a knife around the edges to loosen the meatloaf before inverting it onto a serving platter.
* Slice the meatloaf into even slices and serve immediately.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use different cheeses:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the spinach stuffing. Feta cheese, goat cheese, or provolone cheese would all be delicious additions.
* **Add other vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the spinach stuffing, such as chopped mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
* **Make it spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the spinach stuffing for a little heat.
* **Use different ground meat:** While this recipe calls for ground turkey, you can also use ground beef, ground chicken, or a combination of different ground meats.
* **Add a vegetable medley to the bottom of the loaf pan:** Before putting the meatloaf mixture in, add a layer of sliced carrots, potatoes, and onions to the bottom of the pan. These will roast in the meatloaf juices and add flavor to the dish.
* **Spice it up:** Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture. This will give it a little kick.
* **Gluten-free option:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-free option:** Use dairy-free ricotta cheese and shredded cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.

## Serving Suggestions:

* Serve the spinach stuffed turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
* It’s also delicious served as a sandwich on toasted bread with your favorite condiments.
* Leftover meatloaf can be used in omelets, pasta sauces, or even as a topping for pizza.

## Make-Ahead Instructions:

* You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and the spinach stuffing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the meatloaf and bake as directed.
* You can also assemble the entire meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

## Storage Instructions:

* Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* You can also freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):

* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion:

This spinach stuffed turkey meatloaf is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!