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Cozy Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey Meatloaf Recipe with Hidden Veggies Perfect for Family Dinners

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A comforting turkey meatloaf with a caramelized brown sugar glaze and hidden grated veggies that add moisture and nutrition without altering texture. Perfect for easy, family-friendly dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • 1 small zucchini, finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Finely grate the carrot and zucchini. Place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, grated carrot, grated zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
  5. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape into a loaf on the baking sheet, smoothing the top.
  7. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth to make the glaze.
  8. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Squeeze zucchini dry to prevent sogginess. Avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender. Rest meatloaf 10 minutes before slicing. Brush glaze again halfway through baking for a thicker crust if desired. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, hidden veggies, family dinner, easy meatloaf, healthy comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-brown-sugar-glazed-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-with-hidden-veggies-perfect-for-family-dinners/