Baked Turkey Meatloaf with a Tangy Glaze

This turkey meatloaf uses milk-soaked breadcrumbs to help the loaf hold together without packing the meat too firmly. A thermometer is useful because lean ground turkey can dry out if it stays in the oven longer than needed. Serve it with mashed potatoes, peas, or any quick vegetable your household likes.

Serves: 6
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small yellow onion, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
• Mashed potatoes and peas, to serve

Method

1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.
2. Stir the breadcrumbs and milk together in a large bowl and let stand for 2 minutes. Add the egg, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the ground turkey and mix gently with a fork or clean hands just until combined. Do not compress the mixture.
4. Shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf on the baking sheet or press it loosely into the loaf pan.
5. Stir the ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar together. Brush half the glaze over the loaf and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Brush on the remaining glaze and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the center reaches 165°F. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes and peas, spooning any pan juices over the slices.

Variations

Use finely chopped parsley in place of thyme, or add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the glaze. If using a loaf pan, drain excess liquid carefully before brushing on the final glaze. For smaller portions, shape two short loaves and begin checking them earlier.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a shallow covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat slices in a covered dish with a spoonful of water until steaming. Freeze cooled slices in a well-sealed freezer-safe container if you want to save portions for another meal.

Choose a place for extra slices with the leftovers-as-next-day-lunch guide, and see the meal plan for household preferences for flexible sides. Add this dinner to the Lucru Home meal planner and set aside any portions you want to use later.