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This tasty turkey meatloaf is light and lean but filled with so much flavor! Each bite is perfectly seasoned and tender, you’ll love it!

Need more meatloaf in your life? You’ll have to try my glazed meatloaf and meatloaf meatballs! And if you need a tasty way to use up leftovers, this meatloaf sandwich is also a must-try!

A turkey meatloaf with 3 slices cut.

Easy and Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

The holidays have finally wrapped up and it’s safe to say I’m pretty burned out! I’ve been on the hunt for easy recipes that will satisfy my kids’ ravenous appetites, and this turkey meatloaf does just the trick! I like to buy ground turkey in bulk so it’s a great way to use that up! I love how simple the ingredients are. This meatloaf is just a combination of ground turkey and a few pantry staples! Top it off with a little brown sugar ketchup glaze and you have a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Much like my foolproof glazed meatloaf recipe, this turkey variation is nice and juicy! Each bite is moist, tender, and filled with all the best seasonings and spices. The best part is, using turkey instead of beef makes this a dinner that won’t break your diet! It has fewer calories than traditional meatloaf and less than half the saturated fat! Just because your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier, doesn’t mean you need to skip out on amazing flavor. With this turkey meatloaf, you get both! Add in how simple it is to throw together and you’ve got a knockout dinner on your hands.

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

I was pleasantly surprised to find most of these ingredients in my pantry! Easy dinners that don’t require a grocery trip are a winner in my book. You’ll love how each of these simple ingredients comes together to create a turkey meatloaf that is absolutely delicious! If you’re looking for measurements, they can all be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

  • Ground Turkey: Using turkey is a great way to cut calories but retain amazing flavor in your meatloaf!
  • Onion: I add a bit of chopped onion to my meatloaf for flavor and texture. I used a white onion in this recipe for a sweeter flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: A little chopped parsley will make your entire meatloaf flavorful and aromatic.
  • Italian Bread Crumbs: I love using Italian bread crumbs because they come pre-seasoned. If you only have Panko bread crumbs at home, those will work too! You can add in a little homemade Italian seasoning to get the same effect.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a punch of rich flavor with a hint of tang to your turkey meatloaf.
  • Eggs: Added to bind everything together.
  • Garlic Powder: You can’t go wrong with garlic! This will make your meatloaf nice and savory.
  • Salt and Pepper: Add to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Meatloaf Glaze

  • Ketchup: This is the base of the glaze. It gives it a nice thick texture and sweetness.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: I add a little balsamic vinegar for tang.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and caramelized flavor once baked.

Let’s Make Some Meatloaf!

It only takes 3 simple steps to make this amazing turkey meatloaf. It turns out amazing every time with minimal effort! Your family is going to love it!

  1. Preheat Oven, Combine Ingredients: First, preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix until combined being careful not to overmix. Press into a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar. Brush half of the mixture on the top of the meatloaf.
  3. Bake: Next, bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Brush the remaining glaze on top the last 10 minutes. Bake until the beef is cooked throughout and the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Process shots of preparing meatloaf mixture and adding to pan.

Tips for Making Turkey Meatloaf

Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for making the tastiest meatloaf possible! Incorporate them into your regimen, and your meatloaf will be the talk of the town!

  • Don’t Overmix: Be sure to combine your meatloaf mixture with a gentle hand and do not overmix. Your meatloaf won’t turn out as tender.
  • Glaze Variatons: For a glaze with more zip, add dijon or honey mustard. If you want a little heat, you can whisk in a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Sautée Vegetables: When you expect your meatloaf to be nice and tender but you get a bite of crunchy onions, it can be a little off-putting. If you want to make sure your vegetables are soft and caramelized, you can gently sautée them before adding to your mixture.
  • Rest Before Serving: The key to avoiding a dry meatloaf is to let it rest after you take it out of the oven. This allows all the flavors to infuse and absorb before you cut into it.
Closeup of a meatloaf slice.

Sides to Pair With Turkey Meatloaf

I love serving a hearty meatloaf alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes and casseroles. They compliment the flavor of the meatloaf so well and leave everyone in my family satisfied. You’re going to love how easy these dishes are to throw together. It’s the best way to complete your meal!

2 slices of turkey meatloaf on a plate with potatoes and brussels sprouts.

Storing Leftovers

This tasty turkey meatloaf can be stored and enjoyed days after you’ve made it. Here are a couple of tips on storing leftovers for best results!

  • In the Refrigerator: Store turkey meatloaf in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap or tin foil. It will keep for 4-5 days.
  • Reheating: Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle water on top of your leftover meatloaf to keep it moist. Reheat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!
Breaking off a piece of meatloaf with a fork.

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Turkey Meatloaf

By: Alyssa Rivers
This tasty turkey meatloaf is light and lean but filled with so much flavor! Each bite is perfectly seasoned and tender, you'll love it!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 slices

Ingredients 

Glaze:

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until combined being careful not to overmix. Press into a 9×5 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl whisk together ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Brush half of the mixture on the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Brush the remaining glaze on top for the last 10 minutes. Bake until the beef is cooked throughout and 160 degrees.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 41gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 683mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 389IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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