Description
Turkey meatloaf has a reputation problem — people assume it will be dry and bland, which is fair if you treat it like a straight swap for beef without adjusting anything. This version compensates by adding moisture through grated zucchini and a milk-soaked breadcrumb panade, and loading up on Worcestershire and mustard for flavor. The glaze caramelizes into something almost candy-like on top.
Ingredients
Units
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 3 minutes. Add the egg, zucchini, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Add the ground turkey and mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
- Shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 5 inches wide on the baking sheet.
- Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake 50 to 55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing. The loaf firms up as it rests and slices much more cleanly.
Notes
- Squeeze the grated zucchini hard over the sink. Left wet, it waterlogs the loaf.
- The milk-soaked breadcrumbs (the panade) keep lean ground turkey from drying out.
- Mix the turkey in gently and only until combined; overworked meat turns dense and tough.
- Pull the loaf at 165°F and rest it 10 minutes before slicing. It slices cleaner cold, which is why the leftovers work for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 110