BBQ TURKEY MEATLOAF

BBQ TURKEY MEATLOAF

For the meatloaf
2 pounds ground turkey (or beef/pork)
1 cup barbecue sauce (recipe below)
1 onion, chopped fine
1 large carrot, chopped fine
1/2 cup bread crumbs
3 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Additional barbecue sauce for topping

For the barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 onions, chopped small
2 1/2 cups (32 ounce bottle) ketchup
1 1/2 cups (12 ounce bottle) chili sauce, such as Heinz
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup dark molasses
1/4 cup prepared mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice from 1/2 lemon
Juice from 1/2 orange
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400°

To make the meatloaf, combine turkey, barbecue sauce, onion, bread crumbs, garlic, and eggs in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour turkey mixture into an aluminum foil-lined loaf pan.

Cook the meatloaf for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 350°. Top with additional barbecue sauce and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°, about 35 more minutes. Allow the meatloaf to cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove the loaf from the pan by lifting out the aluminum foil. Drain the excess grease. Slice and serve with additional warm barbecue sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes.

To make the barbecue sauce, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally. This sauce can be made in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator.