Fabulous Turkey Meatloaf Recipe: Simple & Savory Joy

Mouthwatering aromas fill the kitchen when you start preparing this classic turkey meatloaf delight recipe that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Lean ground turkey combines with savory herbs and spices to create a healthier spin on traditional meatloaf.

Each slice bursts with delicious complexity that makes dinner feel special and satisfying.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can produce such a crowd-pleasing meal.

The tender, juicy texture sets this meatloaf apart from ordinary weeknight dinners.

Packed with protein and nutrition, this recipe delivers both taste and wellness in a single dish.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this delectable meal comes together with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 332 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Turkey Meatloaf Tender and Flavorful

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates a healthier twist on classic meatloaf, offering a lighter alternative to beef.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat together and adds a delightful texture to keep the meatloaf tender.
• Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent that prevents the meatloaf from crumbling.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, robust flavor that complements the mild turkey meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the ingredients.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a tangy, umami kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Milk: Keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist and helps create a softer texture.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

• Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that creates a beautiful exterior.
• Mustard: Introduces a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Tools You’ll Use for Turkey Meatloaf Preparation

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the glaze ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13 glass baking pan: Ideal for shaping and baking the meatloaf.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the meatloaf after resting.

Instructions for a Juicy, Well-Seasoned Turkey Meatloaf

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees. Give a quick spray of nonstick magic to a 9×13 glass pan.

• Meatloaf Mixing

Dive hands-first into a big bowl, blending all ingredients until they’re best friends. No lumps allowed!

• Loaf Shaping

Plop the mixture into the pan and craft a rustic log. Embrace the imperfect – it’s all about character.

• Glaze Creation

Whisk together the glaze in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.

• First Bake

Drizzle half the glaze over the meatloaf. Slide into the oven for 45 minutes of flavor-building magic.

• Final Flourish

Pull out the meatloaf, splash on the remaining glaze. Crank the heat to 400 degrees and return to the oven for a final 15-minute sizzle.

• Rest and Feast

Let the meatloaf catch its breath for 5-10 minutes. This downtime makes every slice juicy and irresistible. Serve up and enjoy!

Tips for Binding, Moisture, and Texture

• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme mixed directly into the ground turkey for an extra aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Protein Power Swaps: Replace ground turkey with lean ground chicken or a blend of ground turkey and ground pork for different texture and flavor profiles that keep the meal exciting.
• Leftover Love: Transform cold meatloaf slices into delicious sandwiches by adding crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a tangy mustard spread between soft bread for a next-day lunch treat.
• Veggie Hide-and-Seek: Finely grate zucchini or carrots into the meat mixture to boost nutrition and moisture, ensuring a tender meatloaf that kids and adults will devour without noticing extra vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Turkey Meatloaf at Dinner

• Comfort Plate Companions: Pair this turkey meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables for a classic comfort food experience that warms the soul.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform extra slices into delicious sandwiches by adding crisp lettuce, tangy mustard, and placing between soft whole wheat bread for a quick next-day meal.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf with a medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a light zinfandel to enhance the meal's overall taste profile.
• Fresh Side Kick: Create a bright, zesty green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatloaf and add a refreshing element to your plate.

Store Leftover Turkey Meatloaf Without Drying It Out

• Meal Planning & Storage Magic
• Quick Meal Prep: Create a double batch of this turkey meatloaf and freeze individual portions for busy weeknights. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover meatloaf slices in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or gently reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
• Lunch Box Winner: Pack sliced meatloaf in meal prep containers with roasted vegetables for a protein-packed lunch. The flavors often improve after a day, making it an excellent next-day meal option.
• Ingredient Extension: Transform remaining meatloaf into delicious sandwiches, crumble over salads, or use as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers. Versatility makes this recipe a smart meal planning choice.

Hearty Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic turkey meatloaf delight brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Home cooks can enjoy this lean protein dish packed with herbs and savory seasonings that satisfy completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground turkey
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, tightly packed
• 1 cup (240 mL) ketchup
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• ½ cup (120 mL) milk
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Elevate oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and delicately coat glass baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Mixing: Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a substantial mixing bowl, kneading thoroughly with hands until ingredients meld into a uniform, cohesive composition.
3. Forming: Mold the meat mixture into a rustic, free-form loaf within the prepared pan, crafting slightly irregular edges for an artisanal presentation.
4. Glazing Preparation: Whisk glaze ingredients in a compact bowl until achieving a smooth, harmonious consistency.
5. Initial Glazing: Distribute half the prepared glaze across the meatloaf’s surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Primary Roasting: Nestle the pan into the preheated oven, roasting for 45 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
7. Final Glazing and Temperature Boost: Extract the partially cooked meatloaf, lavish remaining glaze, and intensify oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Finishing and Resting: Return meatloaf to oven for 15 additional minutes, then allow to rest 5-10 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and ensuring a tender, succulent result.
9. Serving: Slice into generous portions and present while warmth and flavor are at their peak.

Notes

• Massage Meat Thoroughly: Blend ingredients by hand to ensure even distribution and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Glaze Application Technique: Apply first half of glaze before initial baking to infuse flavor, reserving second half for caramelization.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow meatloaf to rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, guaranteeing moist and tender slices.
• Temperature Adjustment Strategy: Increase oven heat in final cooking stage to develop rich, caramelized exterior and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 332
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 725 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg