Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

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This easy turkey meatloaf recipe is tender, moist and flavorful with a delicious glaze. A healthy version of a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make turkey meatloaf!

two slices of Turkey Meatloaf on a plate


This turkey meatloaf recipe is a quick and easy dinner that my entire family enjoys. From my husband down to my sweet baby who is just learning to eat finger foods, everyone gobbles it up whenever I make it (same with this classic meatloaf recipe).

It is tender and moist with a delicious glaze. Using turkey lightens it up but no one will be able to tell that you made a leaner swap because it’s so flavorful and delicious!

Serve this ground turkey meatloaf with some roasted broccoli, the best mashed potatoes (or mashed sweet potatoes) and delicious dinner rolls (or whole wheat dinner rolls) for a special meal!

3 slices of Turkey Meatloaf on a plate

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients & Substitutions

photo of the ingredients in this Turkey Meatloaf recipe
  • Ground turkey. Ground chicken can be use for all or half of the ground turkey. For a ground beef version click here: Best Meatloaf Recipe.
  • Bread Crumbs. I explain how to make your own breadcrumbs (so easy) in the recipe, you can substitute quick-cooking oats for the breadcrumbs but it will slightly effect the texture. 
  • Onion. any onion variety works well, sweet onions, red, yellow, white, etc. 
  • Milk. We use whole milk, but any variety works well. The higher the fat content the better. Half and half and heavy cream can be used too. You can also replace milk with BBQ sauce, if desired for extra flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce. BBQ sauce is a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
  • Minced garlic. freshly roasted and crushed garlic can be used in place of store-bought minced garlic. You can also substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for 1 TBS minced garlic. 
  • Light brown sugar. dark brown sugar can be used in place of light. 
two slices of Turkey Meatloaf on a plate with green beans and a fork

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf

This ground turkey meatloaf is a simple recipe that’s great for a weeknight dinner. Follow our step-by-step instructions and don’t forget to watch the video.

Make the Glaze

Begin this recipe by making the glaze. Simply mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. I like to do this first so it’s ready to spread on the turkey meatloaf when it’s time.

two photos showing How to Make Turkey Meatloaf glaze

Make the Meatloaf

Next, prepare the turkey meatloaf. Begin by combining the wet ingredients in a large bow.

two photos showing How to Make Turkey Meatloaf - combining wet ingredients

Then, add the ground turkey, onions and breadcrumbs and stir until combined.

two photos showing How to Make Turkey Meatloaf adding meat, breadcrumbs and onion

Bake

I prefer to make a free-form loaf because the outside/top covered in glaze is my favorite part.

To do this, line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in it (for any excess fat to drain through). This keep keeps the meatloaf from getting soggy!

Then, arrange the meatloaf mixture into a large loaf (about 8” by 5” by 2”) on top of the foil. At this point, you can wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until dinnertime (if you are preparing the turkey meatloaf in advance).

Next, bake the turkey meatloaf for 40 minutes (note: the size and shape of your loaf will effect baking time).

Then, remove it from the oven and spread the glaze on top.

two photos showing How to Make Turkey Meatloaf on a baking sheet before baking and then brushing glaze on top during baking

Once the glaze is evenly coating the turkey meatloaf, bake it for 10 additional minutes or until the turkey meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

If necessary, broil for the 2-4 minutes to caramelize the top.

photo of turkey meatloaf after being baked

Serve

Let the meatloaf cool for at least 5 minutes before cutting and serving. 

Serving suggestions

This delicious turkey meatloaf recipe deserves to be served with the best sides! Here are some of our favorites: 

How to Store Turkey Meatloaf

Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

3 slices of Turkey Meatloaf cup out of a loaf on a serving plate

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe FAQs

How do you make turkey meatloaf not dry?

The milk and eggs in this recipe make it very moist. Make sure to use a thermometer to test for doneness to avoid over-baking (and thus, drying out) the meatloaf.

Can you freeze turkey meatloaf? 

Yes! I recommend freezing this recipe in individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and warm in the microwave or covered in the oven. 

What does milk do in turkey meatloaf?

The milk acts as a binding agent along with the eggs. It soaks into the breadcrumbs and keeps the loaf held together and moist. You can use non-dairy milk or barbecue sauce in place of milk.

Should I cover turkey meatloaf when baking?

In this recipe it is baked uncovered to brown and crisp the outside.

What is the best binder for turkey meatloaf?

A combination of eggs and bread crumbs/milk.

two slices of Turkey Meatloaf, a fork taking a bite out of one

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Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Laura
This easy turkey meatloaf recipe is tender, moist and flavorful with a delicious glaze. A healthy version of a classic that your whole family will love! Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make turkey meatloaf!
5 from 26 votes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 157
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Turkey Meatloaf

Glaze:

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C).

Make the Glaze

  • Combine ketchup brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl, set aside.

Make Meatloaf

  • In a large bowl whisk together milk, sauce egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Add meat, onions and breadcrumbs and stir until combined.
  • Line a wire rack with aluminum foil and poke holes in it.
  • Place the turkey meatloaf mixture onto the foil and form into a large loaf (about 8” by 5” by 2”)

Bake & Serve

  • Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, spread glaze on top and bake for 10 more minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
  • If necessary, broil for the 2-4 minutes to caramelize the top.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Homemade Breadcrumbs
Tear apart 1 slice of bread. Place it on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes until toasted. Place in a blender or food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Use in recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
  • Ground turkey. Ground chicken can be use for all or half of the ground turkey. For a ground beef version click here: Best Meatloaf Recipe.
  • Bread Crumbs. I explain how to make your own breadcrumbs (so easy) in the recipe, you can substitute quick-cooking oats for the breadcrumbs but it will slightly effect the texture. 
  • Onion. any onion variety works well, sweet onions, red, yellow, white, etc. 
  • Milk. We use whole milk, but any variety works well. The higher the fat content the better. Half and half and heavy cream can be used too. You can also replace milk with BBQ sauce, if desired for extra flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce. BBQ sauce is a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
  • Minced garlic. freshly roasted and crushed garlic can be used in place of store-bought minced garlic. You can also substitute 1 tsp garlic powder for 1 TBS minced garlic. 
  • Light brown sugar. dark brown sugar can be used in place of light. 
Store/Freeze
Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 141IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg

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

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16 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So so so good! We skipped the onion part and we didn’t have whole milk so we used 2% – still turned out absolutely delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    I just made this last night. It is the best turkey meatloaf I’ve tasted in a long time.
    Will definitely be this again. I used 1 pkg if 85% ground turkey & I have leftovers.
    Thanks for the recipe!!

  3. 5 stars
    I just made this last night. It is the best turkey meatloaf I’ve tasted in a long time.
    Will definitely be this again. I used 1 pkg if 85% ground turkey & I have leftovers.
    Thanks for the recipe!!