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Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This healthier meatloaf combines lean ground turkey with mushrooms and seasonings, rolled around cheddar cheese and spinach. Topped with a tangy glaze for the perfect comfort food dinner.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:45 GMT
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A sliced meatloaf filled with cheese and spinach, topped with a glossy glaze, is served on a round plate alongside a small bowl of sauce and fresh spinach leaves. Pin it
A sliced meatloaf filled with cheese and spinach, topped with a glossy glaze, is served on a round plate alongside a small bowl of sauce and fresh spinach leaves. | zestplate.com

Easy Homemade Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf

Let me share this simple homemade meatloaf that's become my family's favorite healthy comfort food. By rolling lean turkey with melty cheese and fresh spinach, this easy recipe creates something special. The tangy glaze on top takes it over the edge, and at just 292 calories per serving, you can feel good about going back for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe

  • The cheese and spinach filling makes every bite amazing
  • It's a healthier version that still tastes indulgent
  • Sneaky veggies make it perfect for picky eaters
  • You can easily switch up the flavors to make it your own

Easy Ingredients for Homemade Meatloaf

  • Ground Turkey: The 93% lean gives us the best flavor and moisture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Use your favorite kind for that perfect melty center.
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds nutrition and keeps everything moist.
  • Mushrooms: Chop them tiny they'll disappear into the meat.
  • Ketchup Glaze: Makes our easy meatloaf extra special.
  • Breadcrumbs: Keeps everything together use oats for gluten-free.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Perfect Mix
Start with your ground turkey in a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and seasonings gradually, using your hands to gently combine everything. The key is to mix just until everything comes together - about 1-2 minutes. Overmixing will make your meatloaf tough, so stop as soon as you don't see any dry breadcrumbs.
Create Your Layers
Lay out a large piece of parchment paper and spread your meat mixture into a nice rectangle - about 10x12 inches and half an inch thick. Use your hands or a rolling pin to make it even. Now comes the fun part - layer your spinach leaves evenly, leaving a one-inch border. Add your sautéed mushrooms, then sprinkle that beautiful cheese layer on top. Make sure every bite will get some of that good stuff.
Master the Rolling Technique
Here's where that parchment paper becomes your best friend. Start at the long edge and use the paper to help you lift and roll the meat mixture, just like making a jelly roll. Keep it tight as you go - this prevents gaps in your spiral. Once you've got it rolled, pinch those edges and seams really well. This is super important to keep all that cheesy goodness inside while it bakes.
Glaze and Bake to Perfection
Transfer your roll carefully to a baking sheet, placing it seam-side down. Now brush that tangy glaze all over - get into every nook and cranny. Pop it into your preheated 375°F oven and let it work its magic. You're looking at about 45-50 minutes total, or until it reaches 165°F inside. The glaze should get nice and sticky, and the cheese might bubble out a bit - that's exactly what we want!
Rest and Serve
Once it's done, let it rest on the baking sheet for a good 10 minutes. This helps everything set up inside so you'll get nice clean slices. If you cut it too soon, all those amazing juices will run out. Brush with a little extra glaze just before serving for that perfect finish.

Tips for Easy Success

  • Turkey Choice: Fresh lean turkey makes this homemade recipe shine.
  • Gentle Mixing: Keep your meatloaf tender by not overworking it.
  • Patient Rolling: Take your time the parchment paper helps.
  • Glaze Options: Try different sauces to make it your own.
A sliced meatloaf filled with melted cheese and spinach, topped with a glossy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A sliced meatloaf filled with melted cheese and spinach, topped with a glossy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. | zestplate.com

Simple Variations

  • Try Italian style with mozzarella and marinara
  • Switch to BBQ sauce for a different flavor
  • Mix everything together for an easier version
  • Use gluten-free ingredients if you need to

Easy Storage Tips

This simple homemade meatloaf makes great leftovers. Keep it in the fridge for 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. It's perfect warmed up or even cold in sandwiches the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use parchment for rolling?

Makes rolling easier and prevents sticking while forming loaf.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Yes, any melting cheese works well in filling.

→ Why let rest before slicing?

Allows loaf to set for cleaner slices.

→ Can I make ahead?

Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

→ Why add mushrooms?

Adds moisture and flavor to lean turkey meat.

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

A rolled turkey meatloaf stuffed with cheddar cheese and spinach, topped with a tangy glaze. Healthier comfort food at its best.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (16)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 pounds lean ground turkey.
02 2/3 cup chopped mushrooms.
03 1 large shallot, minced.
04 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs.
05 1/3 cup ketchup.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
08 1 teaspoon marjoram.
09 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar.
10 1 oz fresh spinach, chopped.
11 2 tablespoons ketchup (for glaze).
12 1 teaspoon brown sugar (for glaze).
13 1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard (for glaze).
14 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for glaze).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Sauté minced shallot in oiled skillet until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Mix glaze ingredients in small bowl until well combined and set aside.

Step 04

Combine turkey, mushrooms, shallots, breadcrumbs, ketchup, eggs, salt and marjoram in large bowl.

Step 05

Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently with hands until well blended.

Step 06

Place meat mixture on 12x16 inch parchment paper and pat into 10x12 inch rectangle.

Step 07

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over meat surface.

Step 08

Layer chopped spinach over cheese layer.

Step 09

Roll mixture carefully from short end using parchment to guide, removing paper as you roll.

Step 10

Seal ends thoroughly and place seam-side down in prepared dish.

Step 11

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Step 12

Remove from oven and brush prepared glaze over entire loaf.

Step 13

Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until completely cooked through.

Step 14

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into 16 portions.

Step 15

Serve hot, slicing with sharp knife for clean cuts.

Notes

  1. Healthier comfort food.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Protein packed.
  4. Great for meal prep.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 30 g