Southwestern Turkey Meatloaf is an easy and healthy family dinner recipe.
This ground turkey meatloaf is packed with protein and flavor! Black beans, green chile, corn, Mexican cheese, tortilla chips, and spices like chili powder and cumin give this filling recipe that Southwest flavor you crave.
Not gonna lie. When we make meatloaf, we almost always make the absolute best meatloaf recipe which has been in our family for years. You know, the kind with ground beef, a rich flavorful sauce on top, and flavor that reminds you of the family dinners you enjoyed as a kid.
I’m not a huge ground turkey fan. The only time I’ve ever used ground turkey and actually liked it was when I made my spicy turkey burgers, and oh boy those were amazing because of a secret ingredient.
Occasionally, I like to try out healthier alternatives and I know ground turkey is not only lean and full of protein, but it’s pretty inexpensive too. I also find ground turkey rather bland on its own, so I added a ton of flavor and texture by mixing in things like crushed chips (or stale taco shells in my case), corn, black beans, green chile, and corn. This easy turkey meatloaf is so flavorful and tasty that you’ll be wanting to make it for dinner every week!
How long does it take to cook?
I had no idea how long to cook this thing, so I inserted my handy digital thermometer and took it out of the oven at the optimal temperature which was when it was cooked and safe to eat, yet moist and not dried out. WIN.
Overall, you should cook your ground turkey meatloaf for around 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Why does it taste so good?
To make the best turkey meatloaf E-V-E-R, you will need several ingredients.
You will start with ground turkey breast and ground turkey dark meat. Then, to add a delicious flavor and texture to your southwest meatloaf, you will will add tortilla chips or taco shells, black beans, green chile, frozen corn, an egg, cheese, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Altogether, these ingredients will make up the best homemade southwestern turkey meatloaf you have ever had!
How to make Southwestern Turkey Meatloaf:
To make the best turkey meatloaf ever, you will need prep your oven and spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. The prep for this meatloaf recipe is super easy, you just mix all of your ingredients in a large bowl until they are well combined. Afterwards, you will add it to the loaf pan and make it into the shape of a loaf. Next, cut a diagonal pattern into the top of the loaf.
Just like it is said above, you will need to cook the meatloaf for around 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 165 degrees F.
I simply served this up with some avocado and sour cream and it was fantastic. I even took a piece of the cold leftovers and ate it for lunch the next day with a green salad and some fresh citrus cumin vinaigrette. You should try it!
Love turkey dinner recipes?
You'll have to try:
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Savory Herb Turkey Gravy
- Leftover Turkey Risotto
- Leftover Turkey Salad
- Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Southwestern Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (white meat)
- 1 pound ground turkey (dark meat)
- 1/2 cup tortilla chips or taco shells (crushed )
- 15 ounces black beans (1 can, drained)
- 4 ounces diced green chile
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup mexican blend cheese (cheddar, jack, etc., shredded)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Add to loaf pan and shape into a loaf, cutting a diagonal pattern into the top with a sharp knife.
- Cook in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve hot with avocado, sour cream, and/or salsa or serve cold on a sandwich or in a salad.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
This post was originally created in February 2016 and has been updated with more fun facts and tidbits for your reading pleasure.
Tilly
Just .when I thought meatloaf couldn't get any better, flavours are so good!
Lisa
Wow, I love this southwestern flare on a classic meatloaf dish! I'm all about incorporating mexican flavors into all my meals. This sounds soooo delicious!
Tina
I was at Costco the other day admiring the big packages of ground turkey but didn't get any. I like ground turkey but my hubby tends to turn his nose up at it. Your recipe looks like the ticket to getting my hubby to eat and love ground turkey. Thanks for this!
ilona
It is a great idea to make meatloaf with turkey, I always do with pork but need to try your version.
Laura
Fantastic recipe that is all about Southwestern flavors! And those spices must have made this meatloaf incredibly tasteful - can't wait to experiment with the ingredients myself!