Description
This Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe offers a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf using lean ground turkey. Infused with savory herbs, sautéed onions and garlic, and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze, this classic comfort food is simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean is best)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk (or chicken broth)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a small skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese if using, milk (or chicken broth), egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika if using, salt, and black pepper. Add fresh parsley if desired. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender, avoiding overmixing.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into an approximately 8-inch long and 4-inch wide loaf. Alternatively, press the mixture evenly into a loaf pan for a neater shape.
- Make and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar if using to create a flavorful glaze. Brush half of this glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf.
- Bake Initial Phase: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. This initial bake will start cooking the meatloaf through and form a crust.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining glaze on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for a good balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner turkey may make the meatloaf dry.
- If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can omit it or substitute with another hard cheese.
- For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- The glaze adds sweetness and tang, but you can adjust the amount of brown sugar or vinegar to your taste.
- Ensure meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps maintain moistness and makes it easier to slice.
