This Easy Turkey Meatloaf is a lighter version of a traditional dinner staple. An incredibly easy recipe that yields a flavorful, juicy and delicious meatloaf. This is sure to be a new family favorite.
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Why We Love This Easy Turkey Meatloaf
- This recipe is so easy, it's ridiculous.
- A healthy dinner item you can feel good about serving your family.
- Made with simple, easy to find ingredients.
- Freezer friendly, plus can be made ahead of time too.
- Next day leftovers are just as good! Who loves a meatloaf sandwich?!
- Delicious!! This turkey meatloaf is so flavorful!
Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Turkey
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Large Eggs
- Yellow Onion
- Minced Garlic
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Italian Seasoning
- Dried Parsley
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Ketchup
- Brown Sugar
Substitution Suggestions
- Ground Turkey: I use 93% lean ground turkey. You can use whichever kind you like. You can also use ground chicken. Another option is to use half ground turkey and half ground beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain bread crumbs from the canister are an easy life saver. You can make your own with toasted bread. I do that a lot with bread ends and leftover bread buns.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is the best and has the best flavor. However, the stuff in the green can will work great in this easy recipe too.
- Yellow Onion: You can swap the fresh onion with ¼ cup dried minced onion flakes or 2 teaspoons onion powder.
- Minced Garlic: Dried minced garlic can be substituted as well as a teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Ketchup: You can use barbecue sauce if you prefer that flavor or ketchup. My family likes the ketchup so that's what I use. You can also omit all together if you prefer no glaze on top of the meatloaf.
This ground turkey meatloaf recipe is great way to enjoy a classic comfort food that is a little leaner but just as delicious! Next time you are craving some meatloaf try this easy meal and see why it really is the best turkey meatloaf recipe!
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- First, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 9x13 baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then spray the paper or foil with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. You could use a 9x5 loaf pan too, greased very well.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt and black pepper.
- Mix with hands or spatula just until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet and shape into an approximate 9x5 inch loaf.
- If you want the sweet glaze on top: mix ketchup and brown sugar together in a small bowl, and brush or spoon on top of meatloaf.
- Bake meatloaf for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Side Dishes to Serve with Turkey Meatloaf
- The family's favorite are these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes!
- A healthy low carb option are roasted vegetables like Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli and Cauliflower, or Asparagus.
- Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans gives you comfort and vegetables all at once!
- Don't worry about sharing oven space and try these Air Fryer Potatoes.
If your family loves meatloaf try these other yummy meatloaf inspired recipes:
Storing Turkey Meatloaf
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat meatloaf in the microwave or in a low oven covered with foil until warmed through.
Freezing: This meatloaf freezes well. Double the recipe and freeze the extra loaf. Freeze it raw or cooked. Both work well. Wrap the turkey meatloaf in plastic wrap and then put in freezer safe container or zip top bag. Label, date and freeze.
Thawing: Let it thaw overnight and bake raw meatloaf as recipe states. Warm cooked meatloaf in microwave or in a low oven covered with aluminum foil until warmed through.
Make Ahead Instructions
This easy turkey meatloaf is a great recipe to use for make ahead meals. Prep the meatloaf according to recipe directions. Once the loaf is formed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Use within 2-3 days. It is best to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Pull it out of fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Then bake as directed in recipe.
This meatloaf is also great for make ahead meal prep dishes. Follow all the recipe directions. Once the meatloaf is done baking, let it cool completely. Then slice it into individual portions and place in your meal prep containers with a side dish and store in fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips for Easy Turkey Meatloaf
- Don't overwork the meat while mixing. Mix gently, folding with your fingers just until it's all evenly incorporated.
- Bake the turkey meatloaf on a sheet pan or in a baking dish to allow the outside to create a tasty crust. If you prefer, you can bake it in a loaf pan, but it will take much longer to bake through.
- For a quicker finish, divide the loaf into 2, 3, or 4 smaller loaves. They'll bake a lot faster.
- This recipe also makes delicious turkey meatballs. Using a scoop divide the turkey meatloaf mixture into meatballs, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temp is 160°F.
- For best results, check the meatloaf for doneness with a meat thermometer. It would be a tragedy to cut into a raw meatloaf or a hard dried out piece of meat. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes so all the juices can redistribute. This is essential so the meatloaf is juicy and not dry. Do NOT skip this!
FAQs
The turkey meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to redistribute the juices and finish cooking.
Ground turkey is lighter than ground beef so it doesn't need as much moisture added to the meat like beef does. If the meatloaf is turning out mushy check your meat to filler ratio. Try using dry breadcrumbs or panko rather than milk soaked bread. If you use milk in your recipe, only add a little bit at a time to reach your desired consistency.
I prefer to cook all my meatloaf recipes uncovered. I like the crisp outside edges it creates. It can be baked covered with aluminum foil and removed for the last 15 minutes of baking time. Covering it will create some steam and keep the meatloaf moist.
Easy Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds ground turkey
- ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup ketchup, optional
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 9x13 baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then spray the paper or foil with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt and black pepper.
- Mix together with hands just until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet and shape into an approximate 9x5 inch loaf.
- If you want the sweet glaze on top: mix ketchup and brown sugar together in a small bowl, and brush or spoon on top of meatloaf.
- Bake meatloaf for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
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