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Best Classic Turkey Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This juicy, flavorful turkey meatloaf is topped with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a gorgeous crust. It’s a simple, weeknight-friendly dinner that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup finely grated yellow onion (with juices)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Grate half a yellow onion on the large holes of a box grater to get about 1/4 cup of grated onion plus juices. Do not drain.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion with juices, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
  5. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing evenly to remove air pockets. Smooth the top.
  7. Spoon about half the glaze over the meatloaf and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon remaining glaze over the top, and spread gently.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use parchment to lift it out, transfer to a cutting board, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the rest time—it allows juices to redistribute. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Grate the onion instead of chopping for extra moisture. Line the pan with parchment for easy removal. Double the glaze if you love extra.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, classic meatloaf, easy dinner, ground turkey recipe, comfort food

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