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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal temperature for even cooking while preparing the meat mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generously spread the remaining ketchup across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a tangy glaze that will caramelize during cooking.
- 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.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the internal juices to redistribute and making slicing easier.
- 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