Description
This classic turkey meatloaf recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on a traditional comfort food favorite. Ground turkey is combined with aromatic herbs, sautéed onions, and garlic, then baked to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp. chopped thyme leaves
- 2 lb. ground turkey
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a large deep baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the meatloaf doesn’t stick while baking.
- Sauté Onions and Herbs: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season the onions with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and the sautéed onion and herb mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape and Glaze Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a loaf form. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar to create the glaze. Brush this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for easier slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps keep it moist and prevents it from falling apart.
- You can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
- Adding Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted using about three times less quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6th of meatloaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
