Turkey Meatloaf Sweet Ketchup Glaze (Printable version)
A flavorful turkey loaf glazed in a tangy-sweet ketchup mix, perfect for comforting dinners.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meatloaf
01 - 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
02 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Sweet Ketchup Glaze
12 - 1/2 cup ketchup
13 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
15 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
02 - Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let them soak for 5 minutes until softened.
03 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
04 - Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or press it into the loaf pan.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
06 - Spread half of the ketchup glaze evenly over the meatloaf surface.
07 - Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
08 - Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top.
09 - Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
10 - Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ground turkey cooks faster and lighter than beef, but stays incredibly juicy when you treat it right.
- The sweet and tangy glaze is forgiving enough for first-timers but impressive enough to serve to people you're trying to impress.
- Leftovers transform into the best sandwiches, which honestly might be better than the original meal.
02 -
- Never overmix the meat mixture or you'll end up with something that tastes dense and has a texture more like a hockey puck than comfort food.
- If your meatloaf seems to be browning too fast on top, loosely tent it with foil for the first 40 minutes.
- Ground turkey can vary in fat content, so checking the internal temperature is non-negotiable for knowing it's safely cooked through.
03 -
- Let the soaked breadcrumbs cool slightly before mixing them in, and your turkey mixture will be easier to handle and shape.
- If you're using a loaf pan instead of a baking sheet, the meatloaf will cook slightly faster and be a bit more compact, which some people prefer for neater slices.