Juicy Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe: Hearty Comfort Made Simple

Ground turkey meatloaf offers a lean, hearty twist on classic comfort food that satisfies without guilt.

Packed with savory herbs and wholesome ingredients, this dish brings unexpected flavor to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals can feel monotonous, but not with this simple recipe.

Lean protein combines perfectly with aromatic vegetables and rich seasonings to create something truly special.

Nutritious and delicious, this meatloaf breaks away from traditional heavy versions while maintaining incredible taste.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together.

You might just discover your new favorite family recipe that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

What’s to Love About This Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and bake without complex techniques, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Healthier Protein Choice: Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative to traditional beef, providing delicious flavor while supporting healthier eating goals without sacrificing taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Create a classic dish that appeals to all ages, transforming a simple meatloaf into a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green salads, allowing flexible meal planning for different preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need for Ground Turkey Meatloaf

• Ground Turkey: A lean and healthy protein source that provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: These ingredients help hold the meatloaf together and create a perfect texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth and complexity to the meatloaf's overall taste profile.

• Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze that adds moisture and enhances the visual appeal of the meatloaf.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

Simple Steps to a Delicious Turkey Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. This ensures your meatloaf cooks perfectly and evenly from the start.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Makers

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup
• Eggs
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until the ingredients are completely integrated. The goal is a harmonious blend that promises incredible taste.

Step 3: Create the Perfect Loaf

Gently shape the meat mixture into a beautiful loaf. Transfer it carefully to a baking dish or lined baking sheet. Press and smooth the surface to create an even shape that will cook consistently.

Step 4: Paint with Tangy Glaze

Generously spread additional ketchup across the top of the meatloaf. This creates a mouthwatering glaze that will caramelize during cooking, adding depth and shine to your dish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, watching for that perfect golden-brown color. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Let the Juices Settle

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Slice the meatloaf carefully and plate it with your favorite sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad make excellent companions to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Must-Know Tips for Moist Ground Turkey Meatloaf

• Manage Moisture Masterfully: Add grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to keep ground turkey moist and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Customize Seasoning Smartly: Swap Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Master Binding Techniques: Use breadcrumbs and eggs as crucial binding agents to prevent the meatloaf from crumbling and maintain a perfect texture.
• Control Fat Content: Choose lean ground turkey (93/7 ratio) for healthier option while ensuring the meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful.
• Elevate Presentation Tactics: Let meatloaf rest before slicing to seal in juices and create clean, beautiful cuts that look professionally prepared.

Fun Variations on Classic Turkey Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with finely riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh oregano, mint, and parsley, then mix in crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Almond Flour Meatloaf: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour to create a gluten-free option that maintains moisture and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
• Spicy Jalapeño Meatloaf: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce into the mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a more exciting meal.

What Sides Go Great with Turkey Meatloaf

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory ground turkey meatloaf with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which balances the meat's hearty flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a classic comfort food combination by pairing the meatloaf with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the tangy ketchup glaze and provide a perfect textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Add a fresh, light side of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the meatloaf's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, flavorful protein.

How to Store Ground Turkey Meatloaf the Smart Way

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice meatloaf before freezing for easier portioning. Place in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Slice meatloaf and place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Add splash of broth to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 250°F.

Answering Your Turkey Meatloaf Questions

• Is ground turkey a healthy meat choice for meatloaf?

Ground turkey is a lean protein option with lower fat content compared to beef, making it a healthier alternative that still provides great taste and nutritional value.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can replace breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats, and swap Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce if needed. Always maintain similar proportions to keep the recipe’s texture and flavor consistent.

• How do I prevent my meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix in moisture-rich ingredients like eggs and ketchup, and avoid overcooking. Using ground turkey with a slightly higher fat percentage (93/7 instead of 99/1) can also help maintain moisture.

Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 70-75 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Ground Turkey Meatloaf” brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners, blending lean protein with savory seasonings. Families will savor each delicious slice of this wholesome, protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients:

Ground Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground turkey

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup ketchup (divided)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal temperature for even cooking while preparing the meat mixture.
2. Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, half the ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending all ingredients to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
3. Gently form the mixed ingredients into a cohesive loaf shape, transferring it carefully to a baking dish or lined baking sheet to maintain its structural integrity.
4. Generously spread the remaining ketchup across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a tangy glaze that will caramelize during cooking.
5. Place the prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven, baking for 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
6. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the internal juices to redistribute and making slicing easier.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice carefully, and serve warm alongside complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mix in grated zucchini or carrots to boost vegetable content and keep the meatloaf extra moist without changing the core flavor profile.
• Allow meat mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes before shaping to help ingredients bind better and develop more intense flavors.
• For a lower-sodium version, replace traditional ketchup with homemade tomato sauce or sugar-free tomato paste to control salt and sugar levels.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg