This turkey meatloaf recipe is designed to ensure you enjoy a moist, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf. Using a jelly-roll pan helps to drain off excess juices that turkey meat produces, and the delicious topping is added mid-way through baking to prevent it from becoming watery.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- ¾ cup crushed buttery round crackers
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Prep and Mix Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a jelly-roll pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, crushed crackers, milk, onion, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared pan.
- Initial Baking:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and carefully drain off any excess liquid.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the meatloaf is initially baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking:
- After draining the meatloaf, evenly spread the ketchup topping over it.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
- Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking, then slice and serve.
Tips:
- Cracker Choice: Using buttery round crackers helps to bind the ingredients and adds a subtle, savory flavor that complements the turkey.
- Draining Liquids: Draining the liquids halfway through cooking is crucial to avoid a soggy meatloaf.
- Customization: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture for additional flavor.
This turkey meatloaf is not only healthier but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for family dinners.
Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Best Turkey Meatloaf recipe offers a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf. Made with lean turkey and infused with a blend of herbs and spices, it's moist, flavorful, and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
-
Shape and Place in Pan:
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
-
Prepare Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of this glaze over the meatloaf before baking.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, apply the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
-
Final Baking and Resting:
- Continue baking until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it moist and flavorful.
-
Serve:
- Slice and serve the turkey meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Adding a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to the turkey mixture can enhance moisture and flavor.
- Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Leave a Reply