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Get the best recipe for a flavorful, moist and delicious turkey meatloaf. This is not definitely not your mama’s meatloaf! Although it has had a healthy makeover, you would never know it. This comfort dish will have everyone asking for seconds and will quickly become a new family favorite.
Tips for Making a delicious Meatloaf
Poultry has a lighter flavor profile, but this recipe provides the perfect balance of savory goodness between the tangy sauce and spice mix.
For the best bread crumbs, I use leftover bread. When a loaf has become a little stale, I cube it up and let it dry 12-24 hours on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once it is completely dry, store in an air tight container or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make prep even easier by keeping a bag of frozen, chopped onions on hand. You’ll find them in the vegetable section where frozen foods are.
What sides Go Well with Turkey
Serve this tasty main dish with mashed potatoes or smashed potatoes, a crisp salad, and drop biscuits or cornbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe freezes very well. I often double the recipe, and freeze one for later use. Prepare the meatloaf as directed below, through step 3 (leave off the ketchup). Wrap in foil or a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. To bake, allow the meatloaf to defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bake the thawed meatloaf as directed in recipe.
Of course. In fact, you can use ground pork or a mixture of ground meats in this recipe.
I recommend 80% to 85% lean ground meat for this meatloaf. If you use a leaner ground turkey, chicken, beef, or pork then I suggest using more ketchup or BBQ sauce on top to keep it moist.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ¼ lbs. ground turkey (can substitute ground chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten lightly (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)
- 3/4 cup ketchup (divided)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet. Cook onion and garlic in melted butter for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place mixture in a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine turkey, bread crumbs, egg, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper with onion mixture. I use a food processor, pulsing until mixed.Â
- Press meatloaf into an 8"x4"-inch loaf pan or shape into a freeform oval shape and place on a baking sheet. Spread remaining ketchup on top.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes. Meatloaf is done when the Internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Here Are More Easy Dinner Recipes
- One Pot Meatball Marinara
- Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Brined Pork Chops
Get More Turkey Recipes
We enjoyed this recipe so much! Thank you. I didn’t have sweet potato on hand, so I added extra zuke, carrot and onion. I cooked on a foiled sheet pan instead of a loaf for more “surface area” browning since my hub likes that.
I’m saving this recipe for future meatloaf dinners.
I am so glad this recipe worked out for you! I like making free-form meatloaf on a baking sheet, too.