Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf with Pepper Jack and a Sweet Ketchup Glaze Recipe
This classic Turkey Meatloaf recipe is a flavorful and healthier twist on the traditional comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and pockets of melted Pepper Jack cheese, it’s topped with a tangy and sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this meatloaf is ideal for a family dinner, offering a satisfying meal with a hint of spice and zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 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
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to fully preheat while you prepare the meatloaf.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a meatloaf pan with oil or use a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, also lightly greased, to prevent sticking.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard until the glaze is smooth. Set this aside for later use.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, milk, beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together evenly and thoroughly.
- Add cheese: Incorporate the diced or shredded Pepper Jack cheese into the meat mixture, mixing well so the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared meatloaf pan or onto the baking sheet.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven, baking for about 60 minutes. At the 60-minute mark, spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, then continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and transfer the pan to a cooling rack. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps retain juiciness, making for a moist and flavorful serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality ground turkey to keep the meatloaf moist.
- You can substitute Pepper Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
- If you like a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid under or overcooking.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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