Turkey Meatloaf
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
301 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Turkey Meatloaf
Description
This Turkey Meatloaf starts by lightly cooking chopped onions with salt until tender and browned, then adding garlic for aroma. Panko breadcrumbs soak in milk to keep the mixture moist and tender. Eggs, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt are whisked with the soaked panko, then combined gently with the cooled onion mixture and ground turkey. Handling the mixture lightly prevents compacting, preserving juiciness in the cooked meatloaf.
The mixture is shaped evenly into a 9x4-inch loaf on a baking sheet prepared with cooking spray. A ketchup-based sauce is brushed over the surface before baking at 325°F. The relatively low temperature allows even cooking and prevents dryness. Once done, resting the meatloaf before slicing avoids crumbling.
The recipe notes that broiling briefly after baking can create a golden, bubbly crust. Additional finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots can be incorporated for variety. Using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center ensures proper doneness. Even shaping and pressing out air pockets helps the meatloaf cook uniformly without cracks.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ large yellow onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (60g)
- ½ cup milk 120ml, whole
- 2 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper ground
- 2 pounds ground turkey (900g)
- 1 ½ cups ketchup (360ml)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very tender and lightly browned around edges, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool while proceeding.
- In a large bowl, stir together the panko and milk. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes. (This allows the panko to absorb the milk for a juicy meatloaf.)
- Stir the eggs, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the panko mixture. Add the cooled onion mixture and the turkey. Using your hands, gently mix together until all of the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to squeeze the turkey with your hands. Turn the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a 9x4-inch loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and the remaining 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Reserve 1 cup, cover, and set aside.
- Brush the meatloaf with a third of the remaining ketchup mixture and place in the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Brush again with another third of the ketchup mixture and return to the oven for 20 minutes. Repeat the brushing one more time, and continue baking until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 165°, about 35 minutes more. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes. Serve warm with the reserved ketchup mixture.
Notes
- Rest the meatloaf before slicing to keep it intact and prevent crumbling.
- Baking at a lower temperature results in juicier meat; broil briefly at the end for a browned exterior if desired.
- Shape the loaf evenly and squeeze gently to avoid air pockets and ensure uniform cooking.
- Check internal temperature with a thermometer inserted in the center to confirm doneness.
- Optional: add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra vegetables.
- For a sweeter glaze, mix a tablespoon of brown sugar before brushing onto the meatloaf.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 301 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 301kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1037mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 575mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 357IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 61mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.