This turkey meatloaf recipe is a personal favorite! Not only is it a healthier and lighter version of meatloaf, but it’s packed with juicy flavor, stays moist while cooking in the oven, and makes for an easy dinner the whole family will love.
My Favorite Turkey Meatloaf—Here’s Why
Classic meatloaf will always have a special place on my dinner table, but I’m all about balance, which means incorporating leaner protein options in my weekly dinners. So when I’m not using ground beef, ground turkey is my go-to for turkey chili, turkey meatballs, turkey burgers, and this super delicious, healthy turkey meatloaf. Here’s what you’ll love about it:
- It’s not bland or dry like other turkey meatloafs I’ve had. In fact, it’s really flavorful and moist, thanks to a special blend of savory sauces and seasonings used in both the filling and the glaze.
- It’s a great gluten-free option. I’ve been using quick-cooking oats in my meatloaf for as long as I can remember and they work extremely well as a binder while keeping the meatloaf moist and healthy all around!
- Leftovers are the best. If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers, they freeze and reheat beautifully for a quick-and-easy future meal.
Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: Look for ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content (around 85 to 90% lean), which helps keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. If you go with a leaner option (like 93% lean), just know that it may get a bit dryer. I also like to buy freshly ground meat straight from the butcher so it’s not super compact. Otherwise, this might cause the meatloaf mixture to be overworked when mixing.
- Quick-cooking oats: Oats are my go-to binder for a great meatloaf, though, you could also use breadcrumbs if you’re not gluten-free. Just make sure to avoid steel-cut oats as they’re not ideal for texture.
- Other filling ingredients: This includes onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, milk, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients infuse the meatloaf with maximum moisture and flavor.
- Turkey meatloaf glaze: A simple blend of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup gives the meatloaf a sweet and savory touch with every bite.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Turkey Meatloaf
Combine filling ingredients. Mix the ground turkey, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oats, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to mix it all together, but try not to over-mix as that will cause the meat to become compacted and tough.
Form the loaf on a casserole pan or rimmed baking sheet into an approximate 9×5-inch loaf. Alternatively, you can add the mixture to a loaf pan.
Coat with the glaze. In a small bowl, stir the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup together, then brush it all over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Cook, slice, and serve. Place the meatloaf in the oven and cook for 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C). Make sure not to overcook the meatloaf as it can dry out quickly! Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it up and serve!
Cooking Tips
- Use a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish. This allows you to free-form the meatloaf and brush the glaze on all sides for extra flavoring per slice. If using a loaf pan, you’ll need a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- For more fat and flavor. Mix the ground turkey with ground pork or ground beef. You could even add diced sautéed mushrooms or bell pepper!
- To make it dairy-free. Use chicken or turkey broth instead of milk. This also adds a flavor boost!
Ways To Serve Meatloaf
More Comfort Food Ideas
And I’ve even been known to serve up this turkey meatloaf for Thanksgiving when I didn’t have a large enough group to cook up an entire turkey. You still get that turkey flavor, but with a simple approach!
If you make this turkey meatloaf recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
This turkey meatloaf is packed with flavor, stays moist while cooking in the oven, and is perfect for an easy, healthy dinner the whole family will love. Watch the video below to see how I make this in my kitchen!
Combine ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oats, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix together the ingredients until well combined, but try not to over-mix.
Form a loaf. On a casserole pan or rimmed baking sheet, form the mixture into an approximate 9×5-inch loaf. Alternatively, you can add the mixture to a loaf pan.
Coat with the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. Brush it all over the top of the meatloaf.
Cook. Place the meatloaf in the oven and cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature has reached 160°F (70°C). Make sure to not overcook the turkey meatloaf as it can dry out.
Slice and serve. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it up and serve!
- To store in the fridge: Any leftovers will stay good for 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: Let the meatloaf cool completely before slicing and storing in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Make-ahead tip: You could also prep the meatloaf raw, wrap it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge the night before. Then bake it fresh the next day.
- Add extra moisture and flavor by mixing in other ground meat such as ground beef or pork, or adding in other diced ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms or bell pepper.
Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 626mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg
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