Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers, the air fills with delicious aromas, and we all find a reason to be thankful. This *thanksgiving meatloaf* is my way of bringing those classic flavors together with a cozy twist. I remember my mom making meatloaf every holiday season, filling the house with the smell of savory herbs and spices. It was always a hit, and I loved how everyone would gather around the table, eager for a slice. This recipe not only captures that nostalgic taste but also makes for a hearty main dish that’s perfect for your holiday feast. Trust me, it’ll have everyone going back for seconds!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful *thanksgiving meatloaf*, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Make sure your veggies are chopped nice and small so they blend beautifully into the meatloaf! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Meatloaf
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this *thanksgiving meatloaf*! It’s super easy, and I promise the result is a mouthwatering delight. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, milk, and seasonings. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined—getting your hands in there is totally okay! Just don’t overmix, or the meatloaf can get tough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Mix everything together gently until well combined. Your hands are your best tool here!
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it to fit snugly.
- Spread ketchup generously on top for that lovely glaze.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it’s cooked through.
- Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meatloaf that’s packed with holiday flavors. Enjoy the process and the delightful smells that fill your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *thanksgiving meatloaf* is a fantastic addition to your holiday table, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Rich, savory flavors that bring the essence of Thanksgiving to every bite.
- A hearty alternative to traditional turkey, ensuring everyone’s satisfied.
- Versatile enough for leftovers—great in sandwiches or with a side salad.
- Family-friendly and sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this cozy, comforting dish!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving meatloaf* turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips! First, use a mix of lean ground beef and turkey for the best flavor and texture—don’t skimp on the fat! Adjust the seasonings to your taste; if you love herbs, feel free to add more thyme or rosemary. Also, remember to mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf. Lastly, let it rest after baking; this helps keep all those delicious juices in. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Typically, a slice of this *thanksgiving meatloaf* has around 250 calories, 10g of fat, and 20g of protein. It’s a hearty yet balanced option for your holiday meal. Always check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the *thanksgiving meatloaf* mixture a day in advance. Just combine all the ingredients, shape it into the loaf, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven!
What can I serve with Thanksgiving meatloaf?
There are so many delicious sides that pair perfectly with this meatloaf! I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy for that classic comfort vibe. Green beans sautéed with garlic or roasted Brussels sprouts add a lovely crunch and freshness. You could also whip up some cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully. Trust me, each bite will be a delight!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, it freezes really well too! Just slice it first, wrap each slice individually, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Enjoy that comforting goodness again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this *thanksgiving meatloaf*, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s something so comforting about that combo! A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, adds a bit of crunch and color to your plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the meatloaf. And don’t forget some homemade cranberry sauce for that lovely sweet-tart burst. Each bite will be a delightful celebration of flavors that truly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving Meatloaf: 7 Steps to Perfect Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty Thanksgiving-inspired meatloaf packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan.
- Spread ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use lean meats for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: thanksgiving meatloaf
