Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf

4.6
(2,437)
1,767 Reviews
145 Photos

I always found turkey meatloaf recipes to be quite disappointing as the flavor is usually lacking as well as the texture. So I developed this recipe that has a great texture and a surprisingly good flavor — my brother couldn't even tell that it wasn't beef! The secret is the quinoa, which adds wonderful texture and is much nuttier than breadcrumbs.

Submitted by Andrew Benoit
Updated on May 25, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
5
Yield:
1 meatloaf
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • ½ cup water

  • ¼ cup quinoa

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 large clove garlic, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon water

  • 1 (20 ounce) package ground turkey

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Bring 1/2 cup water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil.

  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

  4. Mix brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon water together in a small bowl until a paste forms.

  5. Mix turkey, cooked quinoa, onion mixture, egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until well combined; the mixture will be very moist. Shape into a loaf and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread brown sugar paste over the top.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 50 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

    close up view of slices of Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf with salad on a white plate
    Allrecipes Magazine
3,164 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

259 Calories
11g Fat
15g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 259
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 121mg 40%
Sodium 968mg 42%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 25g 51%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 53mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 430mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.