1 1/2 to 2 lb. extra-lean ground turkey (more lean the meat, more moisture needs to be added)
2 boxes Stovetop stuffing chicken or turkey (Ritz or flavored crackers can be substituted)
1 (15 oz.) can chicken broth (or mushroom soup, tomato soup or paste, ketchup)
2 stalks celery, diced
1 onion, medium to large diced
3 to 4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 full carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, mashed and minced
1/2 to 1 cup Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, shredded
sliced turkey bacon
2 eggs
1 tsp. olive oil

SEASONINGS TO TASTE:

salt
pepper
turkey seasoning

ADDINS / SUBSTITUTES:

oats, kale, shredded spinach
bread crumbs
cranberry sauce
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
gravy
cranberry juice (add for side serving)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a LARGE baking dish. Shape into a loaf roughly 6" x 14" x 3 1/2".

Starting at one end of the loaf, layer the turkey bacon on top, slightly overlapping the slices. Tuck the ends under the loaf. Sprinkle the remaining spices on top of the turkey bacon.

Place the loaf in the oven and bake at 375°F for about 60 to 75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F in the thickest part.

Remove from the oven and transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter or cutting board. Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil.

PAN TYPE:

Although the name "meatloaf" implies that you must cook this main dish in a loaf pan, this type of pan only serves to stew the meatloaf in its own juices and fat, resulting in it not holding together well.

Shape all of the ingredients into a loaf shape and then place it on a foil-covered baking dish. This results in a nice, crispy outside edge to the meatloaf, thus holding it together better while slicing it.

Another trick is to allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes to an hour after baking. Place a tent of aluminum foil over the entree to keep it warm. This results in nice, even slices when you serve the dish. The foil-covered pan also makes cleanup faster.

Submitted by: Andrew Holenchuk