Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf with Pepper Jack and Sweet Glaze Recipe
Introduction
This turkey meatloaf is a flavorful and moist twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with cheese and seasoned with Italian herbs, it makes a delicious family-friendly dinner. The tangy glaze on top adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a meatloaf pan with oil or prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it and covering with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard until fully combined to create the meatloaf glaze. Set this aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the 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 thoroughly.
- Step 4: Add the Pepper Jack cheese to the turkey mixture and mix well to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Step 5: Shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared meatloaf pan or baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake the meatloaf for about 60 minutes. Halfway through baking, spoon the meatloaf glaze evenly over the top. Continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 7: Once cooked, transfer the meatloaf pan to a cooling rack and let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute Pepper Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar.
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or celery to the turkey mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar slightly or add a spoonful of honey.
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier option.
Storage
Store leftover 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 cooked 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 can be used as a substitute, but note that it may be leaner and could require a bit more moisture, like extra milk or an additional egg, to keep the meatloaf tender.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat.
PrintCheesy Turkey Meatloaf with Pepper Jack and Sweet Glaze Recipe
This delicious Turkey Meatloaf combines lean ground turkey with savory herbs, veggies, and Pepper Jack cheese, topped with a tangy and sweet glaze. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful family-friendly main dish perfect for any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s at the correct temperature before baking the meatloaf for even cooking.
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a meatloaf pan with oil and set it aside. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil, greased lightly to prevent sticking.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and set aside for later use.
- Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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 until well incorporated.
- Add cheese: Fold in the diced or shredded Pepper Jack cheese to the meat mixture, mixing well to distribute evenly throughout.
- Shape the loaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared meatloaf pan or onto the greased baking sheet.
- Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, remove the meatloaf briefly and evenly spoon the prepared glaze over the top.
- Continue baking: Return the glazed meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 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 it to a cooling rack. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness, aiming for 160-165°F.
- The Pepper Jack cheese adds a subtle spicy kick, but you can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
- Leftover meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Adjust seasonings to taste if you prefer more or less spice or herbs.
Keywords: Turkey Meatloaf, Ground Turkey Recipe, Healthy Meatloaf, Baked Meatloaf, Comfort Food
