Tex-Mex Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
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Crockpot turkey meatloaf is full of Tex-Mex flavor. As a healthier meatloaf recipe, this slow cooker turkey meatloaf skips breadcrumbs, so it is naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs. Mix it in the morning, then let your slow cooker do the work for a dinner that’s ready when you are.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with basic ingredients and hands-off cooking.
- Lighter than beef meatloaf, yet tender and flavorful.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers reheat well.
Here is what you will need
Ingredient List
- Ground turkey, a mix of light and dark meat is best for meatloaf
- Onion
- Bell Pepper, any color
- Tomatoes, fresh dice or low-sodium canned
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Chopped Cilantro
- Cheddar Cheese, shred it yourself for a better melt
- Jalapeno Pepper, adjust to taste
- Fresh Cilantro
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
How to Make Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
- Prepare: Chop the peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Measure the chili powder and cumin and shred the cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, half the onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add the turkey, bell pepper, remaining onion, 1/4 cup of salsa, chili powder, cumin, and cheddar. Mix until just combined. Shape into a compact loaf.
- Place the loaf in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for approximately 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Spoon the remaining salsa over the cooked turkey meatloaf, sprinkle with a little extra cheese, and cover for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Looking for a spicy and quick meatloaf? Try this buffalo chicken meatloaf!
Note: Cook time can vary depending on the model of your slow cooker. Check the temperature of the meatloaf before removing it from the slow cooker with a quick read meat thermometer.
How to Make it Ahead of time
- Chop veggies and measure spices up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge.
- Mix and shape the loaf the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Cook the next day.
Tips
- Line the slow cooker with unbleached parchment paper for your crockpot turkey meatloaf; it makes cleanup easy.
- If the mixture feels too loose, mix in 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs, panko, or an egg; or rolled oats.
- Don’t overmix the meat. Gentle mixing keeps it tender.
Craving more easy ground turkey ideas? Don’t miss my complete guide to ground turkey recipes—it’s packed with simple, flavorful dinners for every night of the week. Check them out here.
Recipe Variations
- More heat: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Milder: Use half a jalapeño or skip it.
- Extra veggies: Fold in corn or shredded zucchini.
- Italian spin: Skip jalapeño, chili powder, and cumin. Add 1 clove chopped garlic and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Swap cheddar for grated parmesan.
- Glazed finish: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to create a simple meatloaf sauce, or brush on BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Meatball twist: Form the mixture into meatballs instead of a loaf, then bake or simmer in your favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious meatloaf with your favorite side dishes such as green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Meatloaf
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or a 325°F oven until warm.
Freezer Tips
- Freeze slices on a baking sheet, then move to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from frozen in the microwave or warm in the oven, or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Tasty Leftover Flip Ideas
Street style lettuce cups – Use butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves and fill with warmed, crumbled meatloaf, corn, diced cucumber, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Finish with hot sauce or salsa.
Turkey meatloaf nachos – Crumble up a slice or two of leftover meatloaf and arrange it over nacho chips, add some black beans and top it with shredded cheese. Place it under the broiler until the cheese melts and the turkey is heated through.
Taco soup shortcut – simmer crumbled meatloaf with low-sodium broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans and a pinch of cumin. Serve topped with crushed chips and cilantro.
Recipe FAQs
This turkey meatloaf recipe is not dry. The addition of peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cheese to the meatloaf as well as cooking it in a slow cooker makes this meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Yes, you can! You can make this recipe exactly as is but replace the turkey with the same amount of lean ground beef.
Yes, you can easily make slow-cooker turkey meatloaf in the oven. Follow the directions in the recipe card. After the meat is formed into a loaf, place it into a baking pan or loaf pan and bake at 375 degrees f. for 45 to 50 minutes.
Do you want more Crockpot inspiration? Check out these recipes.
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Tex-Mex Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Turkey
- 3/4 Cup Bell Pepper chopped
- 3/4 Cup Chopped Onion
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro Chopped
- 1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 1 Cup Diced Tomatoes Fresh or low sodium canned
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper Chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the peppers, onions, cilantro and tomatoes if you are using fresh. Measure the chili powder and ground cumin; shred the cheese. Coat a slow cooker with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, half of the onions, cilantro and the chopped jalapeno pepper together and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the turkey, bell peppers, the remaining onions and 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture, chili powder, ground cumin and cheese together. Form the meat mixture into a small loaf.
- Carefully place the loaf into a prepared slow cooker. Set the heat to low and cook for 4 hours or until the internal temperature has reached at least 165 degrees F.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, pour the remaining salsa mixture over the top of the meatloaf and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Notes
- Line the slow cooker with unbleached parchment paper for your crockpot turkey meatloaf; it makes cleanup easy.
- If the mixture feels too loose, mix in 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs, panko, or an egg; or rolled oats.
- Don’t overmix the meat. Gentle mixing keeps it tender.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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Stuck on What to Make for Dinner?
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