BBQ ... Turkey ... Meatloaf

I am having a hard time naming this post. It's meatloaf. Definitely meatloaf, but I hate calling it meatloaf! It's a loaf of meat! Is there any other name I could use? Off the top my head I have meat souffle, turkey loaf, ground turkey log!?! No ... those won't work! If anyone has a new name for this surprisingly delicious loaf of meat, let me know. Otherwise, here is my recipe for ... well you know.

2 lbs. ground turkey (I used Italian seasoned ground turkey, but the regular turkey is fine)

2 cups plain dried bread crumbs

1 egg

3 yellow onions, medium sized & diced

extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp freshly ground pepper

1 tbsp fresh thyme

1 tbsp red chili flakes

1 tbsp Worcestershire

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 pint chicken stock

3 tbsp bbq sauce (use your favorite brand)

ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set a water bath on the lower rack. In a bowl combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, the egg and season with salt & pepper until thoroughly mixed. Set aside. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan sweat the onions with the extra virgin olive oil, adding more oil if needed, for about 7 - 8 minutes. At this time add the fresh thyme, ground cumin & red chili flakes. Let these ingredients infuse in the onions for a bit, then add the Worcestershire, tomato paste, chicken stock and bbq sauce. Take off heat and let cool. After it has cooled down, til it's just warm, combine with the turkey mixture. Cover a baking sheet with foil and pour turkey mixture onto the lined pan. Form into a loaf, cover with either ketchup or more bbq sauce and place in the oven (on the upper half). Bake for 1 hour & 15 minutes or until it reaches 160 degrees in the thickest part of the loaf. Serve hot & enjoy.

It may not be that pretty, but it sure is tasty!

A great addition to this meatloaf would be bacon. Top with bacon & bake. Cover with foil if bacon browns to quickly.

Tomorrow's Lunch: Grilled Meatloaf Sandwiches. Slice baked meatloaf (1 inch inch), place on hot grill for a few minutes on each side. Place on toasted roll with bbq sauce and fresh romaine lettuce.

YUM!