This juicy turkey meatloaf is made with sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a glossy brown sugar ketchup glaze. It bakes tender, slices neatly, and makes an easy dinner with great leftovers.
Preheat oven to 320°F / 160°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium onions, finely chopped, and cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic , minced, and cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine 1 kg ground turkey, 1¼ tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 large eggs, 100 g plain dry breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
Spoon the turkey mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan and press it into an even layer. Place the loaf pan on the prepared baking tray, then carefully lift away the pan and parchment so the meatloaf keeps its shape on the tray.
In a small bowl, whisk together 150 g ketchup, 65 g light brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and ½ tsp Dijon mustard until smooth. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf.
Bake for 40 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Let the turkey meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Let the Onion Mixture Cool: I always let the cooked onions and garlic cool for a few minutes before mixing them with the turkey. This helps everything combine evenly without starting to cook the eggs.Mix Just Until Combined: I gently mix the ingredients until everything is evenly incorporated. Overmixing can make turkey meatloaf firmer instead of tender.Check the Internal Temperature: I use an instant-read thermometer and remove the meatloaf from the oven once the center reaches 165°F / 74°C. This keeps the turkey fully cooked while staying juicy.Let It Rest Before Slicing: I leave the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. The slices hold together much better and the juices stay inside.Make Extra Glaze If You Like It Saucy: If your family enjoys extra glaze, I like to mix a small additional batch and serve it alongside the sliced meatloaf for dipping or spooning over each serving.