Turkey Cauliflower Meatloaf is a lightened up, low carb, gluten-free recipe for a classic home-cooked meal. But I guarantee, you will not find this meatloaf lacking in flavour, juiciness, or home-style comfort.
Rediscovering Meatloaf
Meatloaf was in the dinner rotation at least monthly when I was growing up. I did not like it as a kid, so, I have never thought to make it as an adult. Recently, I have re-discovered meatloaf, and I'm so glad that I did. It's a super easy, versatile and delicious meal that can be customized for every taste and diet.
The Origins of the Meatloaf
Meatloaf has been called the quintessential American meal, but its origins may be in Italy. Italian immigrants to America may have made "one big meatball" and topped with tomato sauce. However, nobody really knows where this delicious dish originated. If you're curious, though, you can find out more here.
Turkey & Cauliflower for a Healthier Meatloaf
Traditionally, Meatloaf is made with ground beef and mixed together with breadcrumbs or another grain filler. And sometimes with canned or packaged soups added in. This recipe is a new, lighter, and healthier take on meatloaf, but, you will find it every bit as delicious and satisfying.
Cauliflower: My Secret Meatloaf Ingredient
This Cauliflower Turkey Meatloaf has no grain or fillers. Instead, it has cooked and mashed cauliflower, plus finely diced mushrooms. Together, these veggies give the ground turkey an amazing flavour, juiciness, and great texture. Plus, those veggies add so much more nutrition. The lean ground turkey means a lot of calorie savings. And it's delicious. Did I already say that?
The Meatloaf Glaze
The crowning glory of the meatloaf is that tangy glaze, and the glaze for this turkey cauliflower meatloaf is simple, classic and delicious. It's probably the same meatloaf glaze that everyone ever had, so I'm not changing that part up at all.
Ground Turkey: Versatile Lean Protein
Ground Turkey is a perfect lean protein source for so many recipes. Try it in these yummy Greek Meatballs, or Mexican Shepherd's Pie
Turkey Cauliflower Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked cauliflower mashed in a colander, squeezing out as much liquid as possible
- ½ onion diced
- 1 cup mushrooms diced
- 2 eggs large, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, or dried
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1.5 lb lean ground turkey
Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Lightly coat a 9" loaf pan with cooking spray
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients & set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well.
- Spread meat mixture evenly in prepared pan
- Bake in the center of the oven for 45 minutes, then remove from oven, drain off any liquid, and coat the top of the loaf with the glaze.
- Return to oven and bake a further 15 minutes, or until internal temperature is 160°
- Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Ali
Delicious - heathy and tastes amazing!!
Colleen
Ali, I'm so happy that you loved this meatloaf and especially that you came back to let me know! Thank you.
Bridget
I found that you can cook the meatloaf longer at a lower temperature, then allow the meatloaf to stand 1hour to shrink, allowing the water to evaporate. The only problem is reheating it.
Colleen
Thanks for sharing those tips Bridget!
Terri
Love this cauliflower and turkey idea! Meatloaf is definitely a 'go to' in our house but I avoid it more than I want to because of the Weight Watchers points. This is the perfect substitute! Pinning for later 🙂
Colleen
Terri, I think this meatloaf would be a winner for the WW points. It's delicious, too. Enjoy!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
I have never had an American or North American meatloaf. They look so different from our Italian 'Polpettone'. Here, I like the use of cauliflower and mushrooms in the mix with turkey. It must give such nice texture and flavor.
Colleen
Nicoletta, I hope you will give meatloaf a try. It's delicious, and brings us all back to the table for Mom's comfort food. This one is a twist on the classic that you will enjoy!
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Your recipe for Turkey Cauliflower Meatloaf looks amazing, Colleen - a blend-and-extend recipe! I love this type of healthy recipe. I adore cauliflower, too so this great recipe is getting pinned to try. Thanks so much for the inspiration. 🙂
Colleen
Hi Denise! I didn't think of it as a blend & extend recipe, but you're right, it is! I'm just loving this meatloaf because it's delicious, plus gluten free and low carb for our family. And cauliflower belongs everywhere, right? Thank you for pinning!
Meg
This looks delicious Colleen! A perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
Colleen
Thank you Meg! Meatloaf is always great for a busy weeknight, isn't it?
marilyn @family food around the clock
Great idea to introduce cauliflower into a dish! It looks very delicious. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Colleen
You are welcome, Marilyn. It really is delicious!
Valentina
Such a smart use of the cauliflower! Sound and looks really tasty. My son is GF so I'm always interested in great GF recipes like this on. Pinning it. 🙂
Colleen
Valentina, I'm GF, too. Thanks for pinning!
Tracy
Um whaattt. This is like my meatloaf dreams. I can't wait to try it!!
Colleen
Hey Tracy, Enjoy!!! It's the best meatloaf for sure!
Jillian
Meatloaf has had a bad wrap but it's recipes like this that are turning it around! This looks so flavorful and delicious - can't wait to try!
Colleen
Hi Jillian, Thank you, hopefully meatloaf will have a good rap in your house now!
Gloria
I happen to love working with ground turkey. This meatloaf sounds fantastic. What a great way to incorporate cauliflower. I bet the cauliflower haters would not even notice...and LOVE this recipe.
Colleen
Hi Gloria, you actually don't really notice the cauliflower in the meatloaf, so yes, it's a great way to hide it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
This is a great way to sneak some veggies into dinner. Looks really easy and I think it's perfect for meal prep.
Colleen
Shadi, it's always a good thing to get more veggies into dinner, and this meatloaf does the trick. And I agree, it's perfect for meal prep!
Natalie
This meatloaf looks absolutely delicious. I love addition of mushrooms and cauliflower. I bet it gave such a nice soft moist texture to the meat. I must put that on my to try list. My family will enjoy this really much.
Colleen
Hi Natalie! The veggies really do add so much texture and make the meatloaf really juicy. I hope you & your family love it!