This is the best turkey meatloaf recipe! This incredibly moist and tender mini turkey meatloaf is filled with flavor and is the perfect amount for one or two people.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time45 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat
Keyword: meatloaf, mini turkey meatloaf, turkey meatloaf
Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
Add the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Place the ground turkey in a medium-sized bowl. Add the seasoned vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Using a large spoon, mix the meat and all of the ingredients together until fully combined.
Shape the meatloaf into an oval and transfer it to a small lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the turkey meatloaf from the oven. In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and brown sugar. Spoon over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven, cover, and let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Sauté Vegetables First: Resist the urge to mix raw onions and garlic directly into the meatloaf. Instead, spend a few extra minutes to sauté these vegetables. This crucial step not only enhances their flavor but also adds essential moisture to the meatloaf.
Avoid Overmixing: For a tender and juicy meatloaf, handle the mixture gently. Overmixing can lead to a denser, tougher texture, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Choose the Right Baking Dish: Space matters when baking meatloaf. Opt for a 4x6-inch or a 5x5-inch dish, which provides enough room for the meatloaf without crowding it. This allows for even cooking and a nice caramelization around the edges. A small sheet pan can also be a good alternative.
Perfect Your Glaze: The glaze is the crowning touch. A classic combination of ketchup and brown sugar creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tart. For a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar; for more tanginess, reduce it. Experiment with honey, molasses, maple syrup, or agave nectar as alternatives to brown sugar. Barbecue sauce can also be a delicious topping for a different twist.
Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the meatloaf rest under a foil tent. This pause allows the meatloaf to firm up for smooth slicing and helps retain its mouthwatering juices, ensuring each slice is as flavorful as possible.