Poor, misunderstood meatloaf. It's the brunt of so many food jokes, and the punchline is never flattering. Why do we give meatloaf such a bad rap? It's basically just a giant burger without a bun. Maybe it's because the name isn't the most flattering. Most people are not especially excited about eating any kind of "loaf" these days (although as a kid I LOVED olive loaf, but that's a story for another day). I supposed if you've only had bad meatloaf, then it would be understandable if you chose to stay far away from it. But what if I told you that there was good meatloaf out there? Meatloaf so good you might actually crave it and make it regularly and look forward to eating it? Such a dream meatloaf does exist, and my friends, I suggest you give it a try. Bacon Wrapped Turkey Meatloaf is that game-changing loaf, and it is super simple to make.
Classic meatloaf gets a bacon upgrade
I'm not alone in my love for meatloaf. Chefs at gastropubs and bistros everywhere are reimagining this classic diner food staple as a more elevated comfort-food dish. Some will pair it with mashed potatoes and beef gravy, Some will fill it with cheese and smoke it over smoldering oak wood chips. Other will even turn it into cupcakes with whipped sweet potato "frosting". My meatloaf is lovely in its simplicity. Think of this recipe as standard meatloaf 2.0. I've replaced the ground beef with leaner ground turkey. I've upped the flavor ante with Worcestershire sauce, bacon, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and yes, I kept the ketchup.
Pretty fancy for meatloaf, eh?
Instead of hitting the plate with a pile of mashed potatoes (not that there's anything wrong with that), I roasted some baby red new potatoes with garlic, parsley and olive oil and topped them with a dusting of freshly grated parmesan cheese to make a perfect bite. The best part of the whole meal is that you can bake the meatloaf and potatoes in the same oven at the same temperature and have everything finish at the same time. The peas I did in the microwave and smothered with some Irish butter and a sprinkle of Kosher salt, just before the timer on the oven dinged that dinner was done.
As an Irish-American, I am contractually obligated to do at least one potato recipe a month
The next time you're feeling like making something new, give this combo a try. Let's take away the stigma meatloaf has carried for far too long and make it shine like paradise by the kitchen table light. If you'll do anything for love (of a good meal), then do that. That's all for my Meatloaf references. Two out of three ain't bad.
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (serves 4)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 slices bacon, cut in half
extra ketchup for "frosting"
Method:
Heat oven to 375. Spray a rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray.
Combine turkey, bread crumbs, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix gently with hands to combine.
Turn out onto greased baking dish and shape into a freeform football/loaf shape. Take care to ensure it is the same thickness from end to end. Spread ketchup on top. Cover with bacon slices.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until bacon is cooked and a meat thermometer inserted reads 165 degrees.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes (serves 4-6)
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs small red new potatoes, halved
1/4 cup olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane or chopped super finely
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
freshly grated parmesan cheese
Method:
Heat oven to 375. Toss cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.
Spread evenly in a large baking pan.
Roast for 1 hour until golden brown and fork tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
Stir again with you remove it from the oven, then sprinkle with cheese.
If you are making these with the meatloaf, put them in the oven 20 minutes before you put in meatloaf so everything will be done together.
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