Description

This Turkey Meatloaf with Glaze is a comforting and healthy dinner option that combines lean ground turkey with a sweet and tangy glaze. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe delivers moist, juicy meatloaf perfect for weeknight meals or cozy weekend dinners. The flavorful glaze creates a shiny crust that enhances each bite, while customization options make it versatile for different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
3/4 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free oats for gluten-free)
1 large egg
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

1/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard

Optional Ingredients

Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
Finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers (for added veggies)
Chili powder, paprika, or cayenne (for spice)

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all other ingredients to have everything ready for mixing.
Mix the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix using your hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid toughness.
Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or form into an oval shape on a lined baking sheet. Press gently to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth to create a sweet and tangy glaze.
Apply glaze and bake: Brush the glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf. Bake for 50-60 minutes, optionally basting with extra glaze halfway through baking, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to hold together, ensuring juicy slices every time. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
Applying and reapplying the glaze during baking builds a flavorful shiny crust.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps prevent crumbling.
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of meatloaf)
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, glazed meatloaf, easy dinner, lean protein, comfort food, gluten-free meatloaf