Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf is a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Picture this: a succulent meatloaf, perfectly glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that’s as vibrant as a holiday celebration. perfect side dish for meatloaf The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. It beckons you to gather around the table, where laughter and love mingle with mouthwatering flavors.
This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories. I recall the first time I made this dish for my family. Their faces lit up with surprise and delight, proving that even the most skeptical meatloaf critics can be converted with the right glaze. delicious cranberry dessert option Perfect for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners, Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. another great cranberry recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this dish a weeknight winner; you can whip it up quickly without fuss
- Its deliciously unique flavor profile combines savory turkey with the sweet tartness of cranberries
- Visually appealing with its glossy glaze, it looks stunning on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes or green beans, it’s perfect for any occasion
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish at our last dinner party; they even asked for the recipe to impress their families!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is ideal for a healthier meatloaf; choose 93% lean for best results. For more inspiration, check out this Mississippi Meatballs recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf together while keeping it moist.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent and add moisture to the meat mixture.
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries for the glaze; they provide a bright burst of flavor.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the glaze without overpowering it.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor and moisture; sautéing them brings out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: This ingredient boosts savory notes in your meatloaf without adding extra prep work.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors—don’t skip these!
- Ketchup: Mix some into the meat mixture and use more on top for extra flavor and moisture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures evenly cooked meatloaf from start to finish.
Sauté Your Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and smell heavenly—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Mix Your Meats and More: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of your ketchup. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Form Your Loaf: Transfer your mixture onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a neat loaf—think classic movie scenes where people take their first slice!
Create Your Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and remaining ketchup. Cook until cranberries burst and create a thick sauce—about 10 minutes will suffice.
Bake It Up!: Pour half of your cranberry glaze over the formed meatloaf. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
With these easy steps completed, you’re moments away from enjoying scrumptious Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf!
You Must Know
- This Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf packs a punch with its sweet and tangy glaze
- It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that combines warmth and comfort, perfect for family meals or cozy dinners
- The aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, mix your meatloaf ingredients first, then shape it before glazing. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, adding the cranberry glaze in the last 15 minutes for that irresistible sticky finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef to suit your taste buds. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, or throw in some sautéed onions for a savory surprise.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover turkey meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 325°F until warm. This keeps that luscious glaze intact!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatloaf, avoid overmixing to keep it tender
- Use lean turkey for a healthier option while still being juicy
- Remember to let it rest before slicing to maintain moisture and flavor
Cooking this dish reminds me of my Aunt Margie’s infamous holiday gatherings where her turkey meatloaf was always a crowd favorite—everyone begged for the recipe! zesty potato side dish.
FAQ
Can I use other meats for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute turkey with beef or chicken based on preference.
What can I serve with cranberry glazed turkey meatloaf?
Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic dish that combines the savory flavor of lean turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. This easy-to-make meatloaf is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, promising to impress your family and friends alike. With its vibrant glaze and aromatic ingredients, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also creates cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the ketchup until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- For the glaze, cook cranberries, brown sugar, and remaining ketchup in a saucepan over medium heat until cranberries burst (about 10 minutes).
- Pour half the glaze over the meatloaf and bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Serve with remaining glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (110g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
