Description
A juicy, high-protein turkey meatloaf topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This easy weeknight dinner is family-approved, moist, and healthier than traditional beef meatloaf.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened into a syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
- Add ground turkey, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mix gently with hands or a silicone spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and press firmly into an even loaf shape.
- Pour half of the balsamic glaze over the top of the loaf, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Lift the loaf out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
- Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F. Letting the loaf rest for 10 minutes is crucial for juiciness. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave with a splash of water or in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: turkey meatloaf, high protein dinner, balsamic glaze, healthy meatloaf, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free option