Tired of bland, boring meat loaves that leave you yawning? Prepare to have your taste buds awakened by this mouthwatering Spicy Turkey Meat Loaf with Ketchup Topping! This isn't just another ordinary dinner recipe - it's a game-changing meal that combines lean ground turkey with a kick of chili powder and a tantalizing ketchup glaze that will make your family beg for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this recipe transforms the classic meat loaf into a modern, exciting dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to create an even surface and compact the mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of ketchup with an additional tablespoon of water to create a thin glaze.
- Spread the ketchup glaze evenly over the top of the meat loaf, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the meat loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice the meat loaf into 1-inch thick servings and serve hot with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Use your hands to mix ingredients - they're the best tool for ensuring even distribution of seasonings and preventing overmixing.
- Let the meat loaf rest after cooking to ensure juicy, tender slices that won't fall apart.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- For extra moisture, consider adding grated zucchini or finely chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Leftovers can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or crumbled over salads for a protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
