Cheesy 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
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 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
