Italian Turkey Meatloaf - A fusion of Italian flavor and Classic American Comfort food.
Meatloaf doesn't get enough credit. It's a dish that you make when you realize you've got a pound of ground beef and some vegetables ready to turn in the bottom of your fridge. I used to be that person. I only made it in a pinch. It was never my actual plan. Until, I met a little chef named......GORDON RAMSAY!
Yup, when I encountered him during a local taping of Kitchen Nightmares, he asked me to prepare a meatloaf and provide the recipe to the restaurant being filmed. Long story short, I've never put forth so much effort into a meatloaf than I did that day. While this Italian Meatloaf is not THAT meatloaf recipe, I wanted to show you how different flavors can transform an old standby recipe into something new and fresh.
If I were to do one thing different with this Italian Turkey Meatloaf, I would have served it over creamy polenta instead of mashed potatoes. However, my husband is very much a mashed potato man. So serve over whatever your family would prefer. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe you might enjoy these:
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf
Spinach & Fontina Stuffed Meatloaf
Printable Recipe Card

Italian Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground Turkey
- 1 T Dehydrated Onion
- ½ teaspoon Oregano dry
- ½ teaspoon Thyme dry
- ÂĽ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 egg
- ½ C Bread Crumbs seasoned
- Âľ C Marinara Sauce
- ½ C Parmesan Cheese grated
- ÂĽ C Parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a bowl combine turkey, onion, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Place meat mixture in a standard loaf pan, or shape into a loaf and place on sheet pan.
- Bake 30 minutes. Pour marinara over the meatloaf and return to oven for 15-20 minutes more.
- Serve sprinkled with fresh parsley over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
A fantastic story to go along with a delicous meatloaf dish. Very fun!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks KC - I'd love to get into all the details of the taping in my home w/ him but I feel like I'd be rambling on and on.
The Food Hunter says
very cool!! and a great recipe.
Debi @ Life Currents says
My family will love this meatloaf! And how awesome this post is! Thanks again for the recipe.
Erica Schwarz says
I love Gordon Ramsey not only because of the foodie in me, but he is a triathlete also 🙂 So amazing he asked you to make a meatloaf! This new version looks tender and delicious!
foodyschmoody says
Plus he smells divine. 🙂
linda spiker says
Lovely recipe! My husband would love it!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
I love finding new turkey meatloaf recipes and yours sounds wonderful..perfect family-friendly dinner too!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Love your spin on this meatloaf.
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I love meatloaf in anyway, shape, or form. The flavors you've added are fantastic and someday I want to know the full story of you making a meatloaf for Mr. Ramsay.
nancy@skinnykitchen.com says
This sounds so delicious!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
You already know how I feel about Chef Ramsey and I wanted all the details! Oh and the recipe does sound really delicious!
Yo says
Followed recipe and no tweaks but it just wasn't moist enough. We did like the flavor but what makes turkey moist? Family liked it but prefer beef since more moist. i will try this again...
foodyschmoody says
I wonder, what kind of ground turkey did you use? I find the 99% lean is too lean/dry for me. I tend to use the 93% lean.