Go Back
Sliced Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with a rich tomato glaze and fresh thyme, served on a white plate with mashed potatoes in the background.
Reda

Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze

This comforting Turkey Stuffing Meatloaf combines savory ground turkey with a flavorful, herbed stuffing layer, all baked to perfection and finished with a tangy cranberry glaze. It's a clever and delicious way to enjoy classic holiday flavors in an easy weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Turkey 93% lean suggested
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs plain
  • 1/4 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup celery finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried rubbed sage
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Stuffing Layer
  • 4 cups bread cubes day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp dried rubbed sage
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
For the Cranberry Glaze
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • 9x5 inch Loaf Pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Prepare the Stuffing Layer
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, warm broth, melted butter, diced onion, diced celery, chopped fresh parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and the bread cubes have absorbed some liquid. Set aside.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, finely diced celery, minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough.
Assemble the Meatloaf
  1. Press about half of the turkey mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Create a slight indentation lengthwise down the center of the turkey layer.
  2. Carefully spread the prepared stuffing mixture over the bottom turkey layer, pressing it gently into the indentation. Leave a small border around the edges if possible.
  3. Carefully spread the remaining turkey mixture over the stuffing layer, sealing the stuffing within the meatloaf. Shape the top into a slight dome.
Bake the Meatloaf
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes.
Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
  1. While the meatloaf bakes, in a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together and heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is warm and slightly thinned.
Glaze and Finish Baking
  1. After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and carefully spread the cranberry glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until an internal thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf (avoiding the stuffing layer) reads 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister meatloaf.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground turkey (93% lean) to prevent the meatloaf from becoming greasy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra touch, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries or toasted pecans to your stuffing mixture.