Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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This ground turkey meatloaf recipe is easy to make, tender and juicy and serves up the BEST turkey meatloaf. Made with lean ground turkey instead of ground beef and variety of vegetables, this moist turkey loaf is a delicious healthy alternative to traditional meatloaf and a family favorite every time!

Turkey Meatloaf on a baking pan

Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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 ground turkey meatloaf recipe is my new best friend!!

Who doesn’t want a healthier meatloaf recipe with all the flavor and super satisfying comfort food vibe?

turkey loaf 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 simple turkey meatloaf recipe, you will need:

  • Ground turkey – I recommend using 93% ground turkey for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
  • Onion – Chopped onions add extra flavor to your turkey loaf and also provides moisture.
  • Garlic – always necessary for flavor
  • Breadcrumbs – This will help bind the meat together and give your meatloaf texture. 
  • Egg – Also helps to bind your turkey meatloaf together so it won’t fall apart when you cut into it.
  • Ketchup –  just regular American ketchup for flavor
  • Worcestershire – deep tasty flavor
  • Spices – Don’t skimp on the seasonings, these will bring all of your flavors to live.
  • Fresh parsley – Adds a bright fresh flavor.
  • Carrot – not only add flavor, but release moisture while they bake to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.
  • Olive oil – locks in the moisture and flavors giving you the juiciest turkey loaf
  • Parmesan cheese – helps bind your meatloaf and brings a ton of flavor to the party.

meatloaf glaze

I like to coat my meatloaf with a glaze which adds an amazing about of extra flavor and hides any cracks that may occur. 

You can skip the meatloaf glaze if you want but I highly recommend it!

turkey meatloaf with glaze

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.

meatloaf ingredients in a bowl

Using your  hands, gently knead to combine before moving to your prepared pan. Shape meat into a loaf and move to your preheated oven.

meatloaf ready to bake

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.

adding glaze to turkey meatloaf with a brush

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.

glazed turkey meatloaf on a pan

pro tips for the best turkey meatloaf

  • Don’t over work your turkey loaf 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!

moist turkey meatloaf?

Turkey meatloaf sometimes gets a bad rep when it comes to moist meatloaf recipes. Ground turkey can sometimes be a bit bland and dry if not prepared properly. 

This super moist 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 ground turkey 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 ground turkey meatloaf recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Classic 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?

 

Enjoy ♥ Heather

Turkey Meatloaf on a baking pan

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment below! Let me know, how’d you do?! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Turkey Meatloaf on a baking pan
This ground turkey meatloaf recipe is easy to make, tender and juicy and serves up the BEST turkey meatloaf. Made with lean ground turkey instead of ground beef, this moist turkey loaf is a delicious healthy alternative to traditional meatloaf and a family favorite every time!
Heather - A Wicked Whisk
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 4

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!
 

Update Notes: This post was originally published in July of 2020 but was republished with an updated recipe, new photos, step by step instructions and tips in August of 2023.

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