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The Best Turkey Meatloaf

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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.

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The best turkey meatloaf on a board

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

Can you freeze this turkey meatloaf?

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.

If I do not have ground turkey or chicken, can I use ground beef?

Of course. In fact, you can use ground pork or a mixture of ground meats in this recipe.

Can very lean ground turkey be used in this meatloaf 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.

sliced turkey meatloaf on a cutting board ready to serve

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

sliced turkey meatloaf on a cutting board.

Turkey Meatloaf

It's hard to make a tender, moist meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken. But, this recipes delivers a tender, tasty meatloaf that the whole family will love.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 234 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup onions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ¼ pounds ground turkey (can substitute ground chicken)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, beaten lightly (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)
  • ¾ cup ketchup (divided)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon 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. 
  • 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

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 742mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 337IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
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2 thoughts on “The Best Turkey Meatloaf”

  1. 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.

    Reply

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