Description
Discover the best turkey meatloaf recipe, featuring lean ground turkey enriched with savory herbs and a tangy homemade glaze. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a moist and flavorful meatloaf perfect for a comforting 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.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the mixture prematurely.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan if using, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add fresh parsley if you like. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf roughly 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Alternatively, press the mixture evenly into a loaf pan for a more uniform shape.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar if using. This glaze provides a flavorful, slightly sweet topping.
- Apply the Glaze and Bake: Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for a moist texture. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps the meatloaf moist without excessive fat.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense loaf.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to lock in juices.
- Optional ingredients like Parmesan and smoked paprika add depth of flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- The glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy finish; feel free to adjust the brown sugar to taste.
- If preferred, use chicken broth instead of milk for a dairy-free option.
- A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature.
