turkey meatloaf recipe
This turkey meatloaf recipe offers a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf by using lean ground turkey. Combined with aromatic onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and a tangy ketchup glaze, it makes for a moist and tender main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, beaten eggs, ⅓ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently combine the ingredients until just blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness in the meatloaf.
- Shape Loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking pan or on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
- Apply First Glaze: Brush half of the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf before baking.
- Start Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to set.
- Apply Remaining Glaze: Remove the meatloaf and brush the remaining glaze on top for a flavorful finish.
- Finish Baking: Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to help it set and retain juices before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep your meatloaf tender and moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s safely cooked.
- Letting the meatloaf rest helps the juices redistribute, preventing it from drying out when sliced.
- You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce salt or use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of meatloaf (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, low fat meatloaf, weeknight dinner