Description
This Classic Turkey Meatloaf is a comforting, savory dish made with ground turkey, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it is an ideal main course for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking vessel by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing a loaf pan.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes to soften them, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chopped fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it firmly into the greased loaf pan to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the flavorful glaze that will coat the meatloaf.
- Apply Glaze and Bake: Evenly spread the glaze mixture over the top of the shaped meatloaf, then bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain juices and improves texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or a blend depending on preference.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, use a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption of poultry.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, baked meatloaf, classic meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, easy dinner, comfort food
