Turkey Meatloaf is easy to make, tender and juicy and the BEST healthy meatloaf recipe. Made with lean ground turkey and topped with a homemade glaze, this moist turkey meatloaf recipe is delicious and a family favorite every time!
When it comes to easy comfort food, it get’s no better than a classic meatloaf recipe.
Trust me, my Better Than Your Momma’s Classic Meatloaf is one of my most popular recipes for a good reason.
But what about a moist meatloaf recipe that is a bit more figure friendly?
That’s why this Turkey Meatloaf is my new best friend!!
Who doesn’t want a healthier meatloaf recipe with all the flavor and super satisfying comfort food vibe?
turkey meatloaf recipe
Let me explain why this is the BEST turkey meatloaf recipe!!!
- Turkey gives a lighter flavor profile so it’s not as heavy as ground beef.
- Using ground turkey is a healthier alternative to using beef in your meatloaf recipe.
- Perfectly seasoned, this easy meatloaf recipe is juicy, flavorful and satisfying!
- Moist (sorry.. had to say the word!) and juicy, this classic meatloaf recipe with a turkey spin is a family favorite EVERY time.
- The secret ingredient to the BEST turkey meatloaf is … vegetables!!! Adding a bit of diced veggies to your turkey meatloaf recipes guarantees a moist meatloaf.
To make this easy meatloaf recipe, you will need:
- Ground turkey
- Onion
- Garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire
- Spices
- Fresh parsley
- Carrot
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
how do you make turkey meatloaf?
To make the BEST turkey meatloaf, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spray a large baking pan with non-stick spray.
Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium high. Once heated, add the diced carrots and onions and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute before removing from the heat.
To a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, onion, garlic and carrot mixture, breadcrumbs, seasonings, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire and ketchup.
Using your hands, gently knead to combine before moving to your prepared pan. Shape meat into a loaf and move to your preheated oven.
While your turkey meatloaf is baking, make your glaze.
Add 1/2 cup of ketchup along with Worcestershire, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and cayenne to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and brush glaze to the top of your meatloaf. Return to oven and continue baking for 25-30 minutes.
Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
pro tips for the best turkey meatloaf
- Don’t over work your meatloaf mix. Knead gently to combine. If you overwork the mixture, your turkey meatloaf will turn out dense and you will be sad.
- Grab the 93% ground turkey to guarantee a super juicy turkey meatloaf.
- Make your life easy by adding your vegetables to a mini food processor to you save time / energy chopping them yourself!
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, go ahead and substitute with dried. However, adding fresh parsley to this meatloaf recipe helps take it to the next level.
- Feel free to leave out the cayenne powder in the meatloaf glaze if you are worried about the heat level. Add more if you are a fan!
- I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs in this meatloaf recipe but if it saves you a trip to the store, use regular breadcrumbs 🙂
- Don’t have any carrots but you do have zucchini? Mushrooms? Bell peppers? Feel free to use and (or all!) of them instead!
is turkey meatloaf dry?
Turkey meatloaf sometimes gets a bad rrp when it comes to moist meatloaf recipes. Ground turkey can sometimes be a bit bland and dry if not prepared properly.
This turkey meatloaf recipe is packed with flavors but it also ensures a super juicy meatloaf because of the olive oil and the diced carrots.
Adding vegetables to a turkey meatloaf is a great way to sneak in flavor, nutrients and most importantly.. added moisture!
can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Simply prepare the turkey meatloaf mixture the day before, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
When you are ready to bake, add your meatloaf mixture to a prepared pan, shape into a loaf and bake as instructed.
freezing turkey meatloaf
Let your baked meatloaf cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap, then foil. Move to the freezer and freeze up to three months.
You can also slice your meatloaf into thick slices and freeze in individual portions for a quick and easy grab.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator the night before and then microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
can this meatloaf recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Turkey Meatloaf is a great comfort food meal to serve a crowd.
Simply double the ingredients called for and form into two separate meatloaf and bake an additional 20 minutes.
If you have a large jelly roll pan, it is perfect to cook the two meatloaf at the same time.
what do you serve with meatloaf?
- Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Skillet Red Potatoes with Bacon and Feta
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Parsnips
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Enjoy ♥ Heather
If you’ve tried this Turkey Meatloaf recipe, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you it came out in the comments below.
Share a photo of your creation on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM or save it to PINTEREST and tag #AWICKEDWHISK. I can’t wait to see your work!
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
Turkey Meatloaf
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
Instructions
- To make the BEST turkey meatloaf, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spray a large baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Add oil to a large skillet and heat over medium high. Once heated, add the onion and diced carrots and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute before removing from the heat.
- To a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, onion, garlic and carrot mixture, breadcrumbs, seasonings, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire and ketchup. Using your hands, gently knead to combine before moving to your prepared pan. Shape meat into a loaf and move to your preheated oven.
- While your turkey meatloaf is baking, make your glaze. Add 1/2 cup ketchup along with Worcestershire, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and cayenne to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and brush glaze to the top of your turkey meatloaf. Return to oven and continue baking for 25-30 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don't over work your turkey meatloaf mix. Knead gently to combine. If you overwork the mixture, your turkey meatloaf will turn out dense and you will be sad.
- Grab the 93% ground turkey to guarantee a super juicy turkey meatloaf.
- Make your life easy by adding your vegetables to a mini food processor to you save time / energy chopping them yourself!
- If you don't have fresh parsley, go ahead and substitute with dried. However, adding fresh parsley to this turkey meatloaf recipe helps take it to the next level.
- Feel free to leave out the cayenne powder in the meatloaf glaze if you are worried about the heat level. Add more if you are a fan!
- I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs in this easy turkey meatloaf recipe but if it saves you a trip to the store, use regular breadcrumbs 🙂
- Don't have any carrots but you do have zucchini? Mushrooms? Bell peppers? Feel free to use and (or all!) of them instead!
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