Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is a delicious, fall-inspired twist on a classic dish. Combining ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and warm spices, this savory meatloaf is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with flavors that make it a standout dish for the fall season.
Jump to
- Why Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is the Perfect Fall Recipe
- Ingredients for Making Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
- Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
- Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
- Variations of Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf to Try
- FAQs
- Why You’ll Love Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf This Fall
- Related recipes
- Final thoughts
Why Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is the Perfect Fall Recipe
The beauty of Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf lies in its ability to bring the flavors of autumn to the dinner table. It’s a unique way to incorporate pumpkin into your savory meals, without the usual sweetness. Here’s why this recipe works so well for the fall season:
- Autumn-Inspired Flavor: The combination of pumpkin pie spice, cumin, and turmeric creates a savory meatloaf that tastes like fall in every bite.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With ground turkey, coconut flour, and pumpkin puree, this dish is lower in fat and free of gluten and dairy, making it perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Simple to Make: Even though it sounds gourmet, this recipe is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and minimal steps.
Ingredients for Making Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
For this festive and savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey (a mix of white and dark meat works best)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or grass-fed butter
- 1 egg (preferably pasture-raised)
- 1-1/4 cups pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
Making Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is straightforward and fun! Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Heat the avocado oil or butter in a small skillet and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, pumpkin puree, coconut flour, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together, but be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Try to keep it even so it cooks uniformly.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Rest and Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
While this Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is delicious on its own, you can elevate the meal with some fantastic sides. Here are some great pairings:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Winter Squash: These vegetables complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf, adding natural sweetness and color to the plate.
- Sautéed Cabbage with Apple and Onion: This side brings a nice balance of sweetness and crunch, making it a perfect companion to the savory meatloaf.
- Kale: Sautéed or roasted kale adds a nutrient-packed green to your meal, perfect for rounding out the dish.
Variations of Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf to Try
This Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might like:
- Add Dried Fruit: Stir in raisins or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory turkey.
- Substitute the Meat: For a different flavor, swap the ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a combination of meats.
- Spicy Meatloaf: If you prefer a spicy kick, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the mix for extra heat.
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients!
FAQs
While you can use all-white turkey meat, using a mix of dark and white meat will yield a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
Yes, you can bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan. The cooking time will be similar, but always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done.
Yes, this meatloaf freezes well. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf This Fall
Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is an ideal dish for the fall season. Not only does it embrace the seasonal flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, but it’s also a healthier option compared to traditional meatloaf. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal or a showstopper for your holiday table.
You’ll love how customizable this recipe is—whether you prefer it mild or spicy, with sweet or savory sides, Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf will become your go-to fall meal.
Related recipes
- For more hearty and nutritious recipes, check out Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes.
- Looking for more fall-inspired dishes? Try Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake.
- For a delicious side dish to pair with this meatloaf, try Roasted Sweet Potato Recipes.
Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is a savory, healthy, and festive twist on traditional meatloaf, perfect for fall. Combining ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like cumin and turmeric, it’s a dish that brings the flavors of autumn right to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey (mix of white and dark meat)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or grass-fed butter
- 1 egg
- 1–1/4 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté the onion and garlic mixture until softened (about 3-5 minutes) in avocado oil or butter. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, pumpkin puree, coconut flour, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture.
- Mix everything with your hands, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Feel free to add variations like dried fruit or spices to customize the flavor. It’s a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional meatloaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Final thoughts
Pumpkin-Shaped Meatloaf is the perfect way to bring the flavors of autumn to your dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be easily tailored to your family’s tastes. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, a Thanksgiving gathering, or simply looking for a delicious, healthy meal, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors of fall with this simple and tasty recipe!
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