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best turkey meatloaf copycat recipe

Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Lisa Street
When I first set out to create the best turkey meatloaf, I never expected to dive into a culinary journey that would become a staple in my home.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 411 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • cup ketchup
  • For the Meatloaf:
  • 2 pounds ground turkey
  • ¾ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • teaspoon sea salt
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • A few springs chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Nothing sets the stage like a warm oven, ready to transform your meatloaf into a golden masterpiece.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup. This glaze brings a delightful balance of sweetness and tang to the dish. Set aside.
  • In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This step adds an aromatic depth to the meatloaf.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, sautéed onions and garlic, eggs, sea salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
  • Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid.
  • Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf that's even and smooth on top. The loaf should fill the pan nicely without overflowing.
  • Spread the prepared glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will caramelize as it bakes, giving your meatloaf a heavenly finish.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is crucial for the meat to cook through safely.
  • Once baked, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.

Notes

  • Use Lean Ground Turkey: Aim for 93% lean turkey. It has enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist without being greasy.
  • Don’t Skip the Vegetables: Adding finely chopped vegetables not only boosts flavor but also adds moisture.
  • Let It Rest: Resting the loaf is key. Cutting it too soon can lead to a dry texture.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A bit of heat from cayenne pepper or a smoky flavor from chipotle can be exciting!
  • Make a Double Batch: Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Shape extras into smaller loaves for easy dinners later.

Nutrition

Calories: 411kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 12gFat: 26.1gSaturated Fat: 6.8gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 2053mgFiber: 3gSugar: 17g
Keyword best turkey meatloaf recipe
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