Apple Sage Turkey Meatloaf
When your husband tells you your meatloaf is as good as his favorite from Joan’s on Third, you know you’ve got a winning recipe on your hands.
My hubby is a meatloaf connoisseur and despite saying he enjoyed my previous turkey meatloaf recipes, he’s never raved about them like he did with this one.
He was actually deeply immersed in what looked like an extremely aggravating call with Direct TV when I plopped my latest creation down in front of him.
Taking a break from scowling at the phone, he took a hesitant bite.
The look of exasperation immediately dissipated and a look of startled delight spread across his face.
“What is this?!” he asked.
You see, as I’ve mentioned before, my husband prefers classic savory recipes and is often weary of the nontraditional flavor combos I attempt with his favorite dishes. Like the pumpkin lasagna and sweet potato hummus recipes from earlier this month though, I once again served him up a pleasant surprise.
The hints of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger from the pumpkin pie spice provide a unique complexity that nicely complements the subtly sweet apple throughout the loaf, and pairs perfectly with the earthy aromas of the sage.
This turkey meatloaf is a great alternative to ground beef recipes, and considering the recent reports from the WHO comparing red meat to cigarettes — it’s the perfect time to try a healthy swap.
The applesauce and shredded apple provide plenty of moisture to the lean turkey loaf, giving it that same melt in your mouth texture as the beefy version.
At first I was worried the ketchup would clash with the dish but I knew my hubby would scoff at a ketchup-less loaf, so I begrudgingly included it.
It actually went great with the flavors (in addition to serving as a comforting segue between the new and traditional aspects of the recipe).
The moral of this story: guys don’t know what they want — don’t tell them that though.
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 Celery Sticks, diced
- 1 Apple, peeled, cored, shredded
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 1 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ C. Oats
- ½ C. Applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 Egg
- 2 T. Sage, chopped
- ¼ tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 tsp. Salt
- ½ tsp. Pepper
- ¼ C. Ketchup (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Dice onion, celery, and garlic and peel, then grate apple. Saute all together with olive oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- While the veggies cook, mix oats, applesauce, egg, sage, spice, salt, pepper, and turkey together in a large bowl.
- Add apple/veggie mix to the turkey mixture and combine thoroughly, using your hands if necessary.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form mixture into a loaf.
- Top with ketchup or another spread.
- Bake for about 50 minutes.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say this is the best meatloaf I’ve ever made.
My only regret – not cutting bigger pieces. He went back for thirds!
Note: the portions pictured are only 1/8 of the loaf (hence the need for repeat servings). The nutritional info is for 1/4 of the loaf.
More = Better.
Don’t like apple or sage? Want more meatloaf? Try these recipes! >>
Jennifer Dene says:
Hey Whitney!
I am definitely going to give this recipe a go! We don’t use ground turkey a lot in Australia so when I moved here I wasn’t really sure what to do with it and I kept drying it out.
I’m always on the lookout for meals that can double (or triple) as leftovers as well.
Thanks XO
Whitney English says:
Meatloaf and meatballs are both great for ground turkey to keep them moist!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
Okay, I just bought ground turkey and been looking for a recipe- I love meatloaf but always forget to make it- This is my answer! making it tonight :D
Whitney English says:
What did you think?!
Bethann says:
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! This looks amaze-balls & I want it now. If you ever need a food tester….
Whitney English says:
Haha you’ve got the job! PS – we def need to schedule a meet up soon :)
Mary says:
Can you make this when I visit in November? XOX
Whitney English says:
You know it!!
Heidi says:
This sounds sooo good Whitney!! I make a sage turkey for thanksgiving… Love all your recipes- I made the cauliflower fried rice last week and it was a huge hit!! Xo
Whitney English says:
Oh, I’m so happy to hear that!! I need to make that one again myself :) Sage turkey sounds fantastic too! xo
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says:
Looks great and looks like something my toddler AND husband would eat. I love the idea of ketchup on top. Saves dipping it later!
Whitney English says:
Tell that to my husband – he puts ketchup on his ketchup haha!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says:
I love surprising my boyfriend with something that he is suspicious of but he ends up loving! This looks super delicious. I’ve actually never made meatloaf before, but it’s on my to do list..
Whitney English says:
Never made meatloaf? What?! Then you DEF need to try this! Promise the bf will like it :)
Lindsay says:
This looks spectacular! I’ll give it a go this weekend.
What type of oats did you use? Quick cook? Also, do you recommend a certain type of apple? Tart vs. sweet…?
Thanks for sharing this!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Lindsay!
I used old fashioned oats and a fuji apple – sweet :)
Let me know how it goes! xo
Ashley says:
This recipe was so easy. Next time I will double the recipe and freeze one.
Thanks!
Whitney English says:
It’s impossible not to polish it off in two days :) So glad you liked it!!
Cynthia Henderson says:
Are you sure you only used one lb of ground turkey for all those other ingredients? I usually use 2lbs for meatloaf; sometimes 1lb ground turkey and 1lb ground chicken. I like the idea of adding apple. Will try this recipe, but with more turkey. Thanks.
Whitney English says:
Hi Cynthia, Yes I just use 1 lb but I’m sure it will work just fine with 2 if you prefer. Hope you enjoy!
Janelle says:
Hi Whitney. Could you tell me which spices and how much of each I should use for the pumpkin spice as we don’t get this pre prepared in Australia. I love the sound of this meatloaf.
Whitney English says:
You can just replace with cinnamon! :)