Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf

This lean and healthy version of a classic meatloaf is easy to make and full of flavor. Ground turkey is combined with cooked quinoa and a variety of savory seasonings, then baked to perfection. It's the perfect dinner for any night of the week, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (GI: 53)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped (GI: 10)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (GI: 10)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (GI: 0)
• 2 pounds lean ground turkey (GI: 0)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (GI: 50)
• 1/4 cup ketchup (GI: 50)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (GI: 25)
• 1/4 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce (GI: 25)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (GI: 0)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil (GI: 0)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (GI: 0)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (GI: 0)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (GI: 0)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Rinse quinoa in a fine strainer and add to a small pot with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked quinoa, sautéed onion mixture, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
5. Transfer turkey mixture to prepared baking sheet and form into a loaf shape. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Flavor Profile

This savory meatloaf has a well-rounded flavor, with notes of sweetness from the ketchup and BBQ sauce, herbal undertones from the oregano and basil, and a subtle kick from the Worcestershire sauce.

Serving Size

Serves 8-10.

Nutritional Facts