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Garlic Butter Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

This Garlic Butter Turkey Meatloaf is a moist and flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring lean ground turkey mixed with a savory panade of panko breadcrumbs and milk, sautéed onions and garlic, and topped with a rich garlic butter glaze. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, it offers a delicious, healthier alternative packed with layers of flavor and a sweet-savory caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey (93/7 blend recommended)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)

For the Garlic Butter Glaze:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a loaf pan. Shaping the loaf on a baking sheet promotes a better browned crust by increasing surface area.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant without burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to develop deeper, sweeter flavors.
  3. Make the Panade: In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with whole milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and form a soft paste. This panade locks moisture into the meatloaf to keep it juicy.
  4. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: Add ground turkey, eggs, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the panade bowl. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Mix and Form the Loaf: Using your hands, carefully mix ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing to prevent toughness. Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape into a roughly 9×5 inch rectangular loaf.
  6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze: Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Whisk in brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  7. Glaze and Bake: Spread half of the garlic butter glaze evenly over the meatloaf’s top and sides. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to start caramelizing the glaze.
  8. Final Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf and brush on the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake an additional 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  9. Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices without drips.

Notes

  • Use 93/7 ground turkey for best flavor and moisture balance; leaner turkey may result in dryness.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid a tough texture.
  • The two-step glazing process prevents the sugar from burning and develops a perfect caramelized crust.
  • Resting the meatloaf is crucial for juicy slices.
  • Feel free to add chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, garlic butter meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, moist turkey meatloaf, garlic glaze, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/garlic-butter-turkey-meatloaf-recipe/