Elevate your weeknight dinners with this wholesome and flavorful Vegetable Turkey Loaf, a healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with lean ground turkey and an array of nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and red bell peppers, this dish strikes the perfect balance of hearty and nutritious. Subtle aromatics, including garlic, onion, dried parsley, and thyme, infuse every bite with irresistible flavor, while a touch of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup adds tangy depth. This easy-to-make turkey loaf is tender, moist, and topped with an optional ketchup glaze for a glossy finish. Ready in just over an hour and serving up to six, it’s perfect for meal prep or a satisfying family meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes or your favorite steamed veggies for a complete, guilt-free dinner that everyone will love.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Peel the carrot and grate it using a box grater. Grate the zucchini as well, and use a paper towel to gently squeeze out excess moisture.
Dice the red bell pepper and onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated carrot, grated zucchini, sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Use clean hands to gently mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Transfer the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it evenly into the loaf pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional: During the last 10 minutes of baking, spread an additional layer of ketchup on top for a glossy finish.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Calories |
1603 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.4 g | 95% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 702 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 5454 mg | 237% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.0 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.8 g | ||
| Protein | 147.1 g | 294% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1138 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.