Description
This flavorful Turkey Meatloaf is a healthy twist on a classic comfort food, combining lean ground turkey with a blend of spices and BBQ sauce for a moist and delicious meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it’s baked to perfection for a tender and juicy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
BBQ Sauce
- 4 Tbsp BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Mix Seasonings and Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the meatloaf.
- Add Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the turkey mixture onto the sheet and shape it into a loaf approximately 6 inches by 3 inches and about 1½ inches high. Spread 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly over all sides of the loaf.
- First Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This initial bake helps the loaf set and partially cook through.
- Add More BBQ Sauce and Increase Heat: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce over the top. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) to finish cooking and caramelize the BBQ glaze.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes, during which the internal temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C). This resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist slice. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature for poultry.
- Resting the meatloaf before slicing improves texture and juiciness.
- Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce variety for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, BBQ meatloaf, baked meatloaf, easy weeknight dinner
