This turkey loaf is friendly to both the taste buds and the family budget. When a cook is staring at the fridge wondering what to cook for supper, this can be a pleasant surprise.
Turkey Loaf Recipe
Although this works well with turkey, any poultry or other types of meat can be used. The idea of cooking with leftovers is to develop the habit of using what one has rather than shopping for each recipe. This not only helps a family live in a sustainable way but is also easy on a person's finances.
Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Loaf:
- Fresh cooked, frozen, canned, or leftover deboned turkey or other meat, 2 cups or more (uncooked ground turkey can be used by cooking 20-30 minutes longer to assure a fully cooked turkey loaf)
- Eggs – from 1 to 3 depending on what's in the fridge
- Oatmeal, bread crumbs, creme of wheat, or similar item 1/2 to 3/4 cup
- Tomato juice, canned creme soup, or leftover soup, 1 cup or more
- Available veggies for chopping: peppers, onions, celery, carrots, greens, etc. 1 cup
- Optional topping of shredded cheese, about 1/2 cup or more
- Optional spices (nutmeg, cloves, allspice, paprika, etc.) for topping all or a portion, and other desired spices to mix into the pan with liquids (garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, sage, etc.)
Note the amounts are approximate since it depends on the pan and the size family being fed. Since part of the process is finding exciting uses for leftovers, measurements will be approximate and adjusted to what's available that particular day.
Directions for Assembling and Cooking Easy Turkey Loaf:
- Dice the veggies so they will act more as a spice than as a separate flavor.
- Chop the turkey or other meat finely, or even better, use a food processor or grinder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine veggies and meat, stirring well.
- Add eggs and other liquid along with any desired spices.
- Then add oatmeal or similar item just till it is thick enough to work into a loaf which holds its shape. (Do not add more after that or it will become too dry when cooked.)
- Spray cooking pan or casserole dish with Pam or other non-stick spray.
- Put into pan and mold with hands into a loaf.
- Cook at 350 for 30 minutes or so, topping with shredded cheese or wheat germ at about halfway through. (Can sit in oven till mealtime while rest of dinner is being prepared.)
Serving Suggestions:
This easy homemade turkey loaf can be fixed mostly with leftovers and can be served with a salad and bread for a simple but great meal. It can be topped with sesame seeds, sliced almonds, cheese of any kind which can be added halfway into cooking. Even catchup or salad dressing can be added or provided at the table upon serving. If there is any left over, it makes a great sandwich for tomorrow's lunch.
So pull out that frozen or leftover turkey or other meat and enjoy fixing a meal which will have them wanting more another day. Easy homemade turkey loaf is what's for supper!
Hildra Tague - Mrs. Hildra Tague is a freelance writer, consultant, and teacher dedicated to issues of education and parenting. This all started when she ...
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