Pepper Jack Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This turkey meatloaf is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Packed with herbs, cheese, and a tangy glaze, it’s a lighter twist on a classic favorite that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese (diced into small cubes or shredded)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Lightly grease a meatloaf pan with oil and set it aside. Alternatively, prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it and covering it with aluminum foil.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard to make the meatloaf glaze. Mix well and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Add the Pepper Jack cheese to the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared meatloaf pan or on the baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake the meatloaf for about 60 minutes. Halfway through baking, spoon the meatloaf glaze evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Continue baking for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Step 9: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added moisture, you can mix in a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or grated zucchini into the meat mixture.
• Substitute Pepper Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Leftover glaze can be brushed on sandwiches or used as a dipping sauce.

Storage

Store leftover turkey meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor.

How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Pepper Jack Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Turkey Meatloaf recipe offers a delicious and lean alternative to classic meatloaf, combining ground turkey with flavorful seasonings, garlic, onion, and Pepper Jack cheese. Baked to perfection and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard, it’s a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese (diced into small cubes or shredded)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Meatloaf Glaze

• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Grease: Lightly grease a meatloaf pan with oil to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a meatloaf pan, you can use a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, greased lightly with oil as well.
3. Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard thoroughly to make the meatloaf glaze. Set aside.
4. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
5. Add Cheese: Incorporate the Pepper Jack cheese cubes or shreds into the meat mixture and mix evenly to distribute.
6. Shape: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared meatloaf pan or onto the greased baking sheet.
7. Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Halfway through baking, spoon the prepared meatloaf glaze evenly over the top, then continue baking for another 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Rest and Serve: After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for better flavor and easier slicing.

Notes

• Using ground turkey makes this meatloaf a leaner and healthier option compared to ground beef.
• Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps it hold together better and enhances juiciness.
• You can substitute Pepper Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-90 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, comforting dinner, meatloaf glaze