Mild Jalapeño Turkey Meatloaf with Citrus Glaze

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, finely chopped jalapeño peppers (with seeds removed), breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

4.Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan.

5.In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, ketchup, honey, and Dijon mustard to create the citrus glaze.

6.Brush about half of the citrus glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

7.Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the top.

8.Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky.

9.Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.

10.Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.