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Classic Turkey Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Classic Turkey Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze - featured image

This moist and flavorful turkey meatloaf, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, is a weeknight-friendly comfort food that even beef purists will love. It’s juicy, simple to make, and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7)
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
  3. Grate the onion using a box grater; do not drain the juices.
  4. Add ground turkey, grated onion with juices, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika to the panade. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape gently without packing too tightly.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to make the glaze.
  7. Pour half the glaze over the meatloaf and spread evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spread remaining glaze on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let meatloaf rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Use parchment to lift out, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use 93/7 ground turkey (not 99% lean). Grate the onion instead of chopping for extra moisture. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, comfort food, weeknight dinner