Turkey Loaf Slice with Gravy (Printable Version)
Savory, moist turkey loaf served with rich homemade gravy. A lean protein comfort food perfect for family gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Turkey Loaf
01 - 1.5 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 0.5 cup milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 small carrot, grated
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1.5 teaspoons salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
→ Gravy
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
16 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
17 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
18 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the interior surface.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, allowing to soak for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Add ground turkey, egg, onion, garlic, carrot, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently combine until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top surface.
05 - Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
06 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in broth while stirring constantly. Add onion powder and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Slice the turkey loaf and serve warm with gravy spooned over each portion.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The turkey stays incredibly moist thanks to the milk-soaked breadcrumbs, a technique my grandmother swore by but I only recently discovered.
- Its one of those rare dishes that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is simple enough for weeknights when youre running on empty.
02 -
- Overmixing the turkey mixture will make your loaf tough and dense, so mix just until ingredients are incorporated, even if it looks a bit uneven.
- The loaf will continue cooking for a few minutes after removing from the oven, so dont be afraid to take it out when your thermometer hits 163°F instead of waiting for 165°F.
03 -
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges to create handles for easy removal, a trick that saved many of my early attempts from breaking apart.
- For the silkiest gravy, warm your broth slightly before adding it to the roux, something I learned after years of battling frustrating gravy lumps.