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Lighter Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf

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A healthier twist on classic meatloaf, made with lean ground turkey and a sweet, tangy brown sugar glaze. This easy recipe delivers tender, juicy meatloaf with half the calories of traditional versions, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark), packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the glaze first. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Set aside.
  3. Finely dice half a medium yellow onion (about 1/2 cup) and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
  4. Toast the oats (optional but recommended). In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup of old-fashioned oats for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool for a minute. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor a few times for a finer texture.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add 1.5 pounds lean ground turkey, the toasted oats, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 beaten egg, the diced onion, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (if using).
  6. Mix gently with your hands until everything is combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Press the mixture evenly into the parchment-lined loaf pan. Don’t pack it too tight—just smooth the top gently.
  8. Spoon about two-thirds of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly with the back of the spoon. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake uncovered.
  10. After 45 minutes, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. You’re looking for 160°F—it will rise to 165°F while resting.
  11. Once the meatloaf reaches 160°F, spoon the reserved glaze over the top. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes more.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the pan, then transfer to a cutting board.
  13. Slice into 1-inch thick slices and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it keeps slices intact. Use a meat thermometer for best results; pull at 160°F. If glaze gets too dark, tent with foil. Line pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, healthy meatloaf, ground turkey, easy dinner, comfort food, meal prep

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/lighter-brown-sugar-glazed-meatloaf-easy-and-healthy-dinner/