Homemade Turkey Meatloaf Recipe: Juicy Family Favorite

Turkey meatloaf brings comfort and wholesome nutrition to your dinner table, offering a leaner alternative to traditional beef versions.

Families seeking healthier protein options appreciate this versatile dish that enhances simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Home cooks love how easily it adapts to various flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Lean ground turkey provides a lighter protein base that absorbs seasonings beautifully and creates a moist, tender texture.

Subtle herbs and carefully selected spices elevate this classic comfort food beyond basic expectations.

The magic happens when carefully balanced ingredients combine to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich in protein and lower in fat, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that nourishes and satisfies.

What Keeps Turkey Meatloaf Moist and Flavorful

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: This turkey meatloaf bursts with rich, sautéed vegetables and tangy condiments that elevate the traditional comfort food to a gourmet-level dish.
• Foolproof Family Favorite: Super simple preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal chopping and straightforward mixing that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Healthier Protein Powerhouse: Lean ground turkey provides a lighter alternative to beef, delivering high protein content while keeping calories in check at just 323 calories per serving.
• Easy Crowd-Pleasing Meal: The BBQ-ketchup glaze creates a deliciously caramelized exterior that transforms this humble meatloaf into a mouthwatering centerpiece everyone will love, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients That Make Turkey Meatloaf Work

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat with rich flavor, perfect for a healthier meatloaf option.

• Eggs, Half and Half: Provide moisture and help bind ingredients together.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Create texture and help hold the meatloaf structure.

• Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meatloaf.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the meatloaf.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for enhancing overall taste.

• Yellow Mustard, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Provide tangy and complex flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking.

• Ketchup, BBQ Sauce: Create a sweet and tangy topping that caramelizes during baking.

Cooking Turkey Meatloaf Without Dryness

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic

Sauté until softened and fragrant, then allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Create Meatloaf Mixture

• Eggs
• Half and half
• Condiments
• Seasonings
• Breadcrumbs
• Cheese
• Cooled sautéed vegetables

Gently fold in ground turkey until just incorporated.

Step 4: Shape And Prepare Meatloaf

Transfer mixture to a greased baking pan.

Mold into a loaf shape with slight space around edges for air circulation.

Spread half of BBQ-ketchup glaze over the top.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Place meatloaf in preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Complete Baking

Remove meatloaf and apply remaining glaze.

Return to oven and bake for additional 35-40 minutes.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let meatloaf rest for 15 minutes.

Slice and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Rest Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Calories: 323 | Servings: 8

Tips to Keep Your Turkey Meatloaf Tender

• Boost Moisture: Use half and half or milk to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent dryness, ensuring a juicy texture.
• Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent a tough, dense meatloaf; combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• Create Proper Airflow: Shape the meatloaf with a slight indent in the center and space around the edges for even cooking and better heat circulation.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked turkey.
• Glaze with Care: Apply the BBQ-ketchup glaze in two stages for a caramelized, flavorful exterior that doesn't burn during cooking.

How to Reheat Turkey Meatloaf Like It’s Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

What to Serve Alongside Turkey Meatloaf

• Pair with Zesty Cabernet Sauvignon: The bold red wine's robust flavor complements the rich, savory turkey meatloaf, cutting through its hearty texture while enhancing the meat's subtle spices.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, smooth potatoes provide a perfect base that soaks up the meatloaf's delicious BBQ-ketchup glaze, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
• Add Crisp Green Apple Slaw: The tangy, fresh coleslaw offers a bright, crunchy contrast to the dense meatloaf, balancing the dish with its light and acidic notes.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer Amber Ale: The slightly sweet, malty beer matches the caramelized glaze, bringing out the depth of flavors in the turkey meatloaf while cleansing the palate between bites.

New Takes on Classic Turkey Meatloaf

• Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Replace bell peppers with diced green chiles, add ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and substitute BBQ glaze with a chipotle-tomato sauce for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, mint, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use olive oil instead of butter and finish with a light tzatziki drizzle.
• Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf: Mix in sautéed cremini mushrooms, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for lower carbs, and top with melted Swiss cheese during the final baking phase for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Meatloaf: Add minced ginger, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Glaze with a sweet-tangy combination of hoisin sauce and rice vinegar, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds.

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory turkey meatloaf delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Packed with herbs, lean protein, and simple ingredients, this hearty dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds ground turkey, 85% lean

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ⅔ cup half and half
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ⅔ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon butter

Glaze for Topping:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325 degrees F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
2. Skillfully sauté diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic in melted butter until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Allow the sautéed vegetables to cool completely, preventing them from prematurely cooking the eggs and disrupting the meatloaf’s delicate texture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and half and half to create a smooth, binding liquid base for the meatloaf.
5. Incorporate an array of condiments, carefully selected seasonings, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese into the egg mixture, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Gently fold the cooled sautéed vegetables into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking the ingredients.
7. Tenderly incorporate the ground turkey, mixing just until combined to maintain a light, tender consistency.
8. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking pan, artfully shaping it into a uniform loaf with gentle edges to promote optimal air circulation.
9. Generously brush half of the tangy BBQ-ketchup glaze over the meatloaf’s surface, creating a glossy, flavorful exterior.
10. Carefully place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to cook through.
11. Remove the meatloaf and apply the remaining glaze, returning it to the oven for an additional 35-40 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
12. Once removed from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for several minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, delectable result.
13. Slice and serve the meatloaf, revealing its succulent interior and glazed exterior.

Notes

• Sautéing vegetables beforehand releases deeper flavors and softens their texture, preventing raw crunchiness in the meatloaf.
• Gentle mixing prevents dense, tough meat by keeping turkey proteins relaxed and tender during cooking.
• Creating a perimeter around the loaf allows hot air circulation, ensuring even cooking and preventing soggy bottom edges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg