This Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is a family favorite made with wholesome ingredients and glazed with a rich sauce.
Growing up, I always thought you weren’t supposed to like meatloaf. Kids on TV would complain about eating it at the family dinner table. And for a while, I understood where they were coming from. Some types of meatloaf can be boring and bland. Then I realized, as with most dishes, that it’s what you do with them that matters. Seasoning is imperative. In this case, we’ve gone with paprika, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar to add that bit of kick, while making it a bit lighter by substituting turkey for beef. It all makes for a wonderful dish you’ll love to serve to your family.
Maybe it’s the kindergartner in me, but I love making meatloaf. Sinking your hands into the meat, combining the ingredients… it’s an easy dish your kids might like to help out with. While it tastes terrific in the summer, there’s something about a meatloaf on a dark January evening that makes it taste even better!
Why is there brown sugar in the glaze?
Many meatloaf recipes call for brown sugar in the glaze. You might think this is strange at first for a savory dinner entrée. Not only does the sugar add a slight sweetness to complement the onion, garlic, and paprika, but it also helps balance the acidity of the ingredients in the glaze. The glaze adds flavor, helps the meatloaf stay moist, and allows for caramelization and browning.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the meatloaf cool completely. It’s up to you whether you slice it now or store it whole. You can either wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. The meatloaf will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’d like to eat it again, warm it on low in the oven, in the microwave, or on the stove so as not to overcook the meatloaf and dry it out. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving suggestions
Crock-Pot Sweet Potatoes is a low-maintenance side dish that would go really well with the meatloaf. You could also pair it with veggie-forward sides like Parsnip Fries (a healthy, gluten-free alternative to French fries) or Apple Coleslaw.
If you want a salad to start the meal, try this Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad With Greek Yogurt.
Ingredients
For The Glazing:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For The Meatloaf:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more, for greasing
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and grease it with some olive oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for glazing.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the onions and garlic until fragrant. Set aside.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 10 minutes then squeeze out excess milk from the breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, Dijon mustard, cooked onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, and paprika powder and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of the glaze and combine well.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking dish. Spread the rest of the glaze over the meatloaf evenly.
- Cook the meatloaf in the oven for at least 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Slice the meatloaf and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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