Description
This delicious and juicy Turkey Meatloaf recipe combines ground turkey with sautéed vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy ketchup-BBQ glaze. Baked at a moderate temperature, the meatloaf develops a crispy exterior and moist interior, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons BBQ Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 pounds ground turkey (85% lean)
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, yellow mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Vegetables: Stir in the Italian breadcrumbs into the wet mixture. Then incorporate the cooled sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic, mixing gently to combine.
- Combine with Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender.
- Mold the Meatloaf: Transfer the turkey mixture into a lightly greased meatloaf pan. Using a silicone spatula, create a finger-width space around the perimeter of the pan by pushing excess meat from the sides onto the top. This allows better airflow, promoting a crisp crust and juicy interior.
- Apply Glaze – First Layer: Mix together the ketchup and BBQ sauce. Spread half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the meatloaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drippings during baking, ensuring an easy cleanup.
- Bake Initial Phase: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to set the structure.
- Apply Glaze – Second Layer: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the remaining ketchup and BBQ sauce glaze on top.
- Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. During this resting time, the internal temperature will rise by about 8 to 10 degrees, keeping the meatloaf moist and juicy.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using half and half keeps the meatloaf moist; you can substitute with whole milk or a milk alternative if preferred.
- Creating the finger-width gap around the meatloaf in the pan promotes airflow for a better crust and juicier loaf.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 155°F for safe consumption of ground poultry.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute, improving texture.
- This loaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, meatloaf with BBQ glaze, easy meatloaf recipe, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf
