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    Home » Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

    Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

    Published: Jan 31, 2022 · Modified: Sep 24, 2022 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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 turkey 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 the turkey meatloaf

    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: 

    • Mashed potatoes. these herby, garlicky mashed potatoes are the best ever. 
    • Green beans. a side of roasted green beans, parmesan roasted green beans or these sautéed green beans pairs well with this recipe.
    • Serve with a side of these crispy oven roasted potatoes!
    • Roasted vegetables. I adore roasted vegetables, try any of these: roasted broccoli, roasted carrots, balsamic roasted vegetables, balsamic roasted Brussel sprouts, and roasted Brussel sprouts with bacon. 
    • Salad. A side salad pairs perfectly with this best meatloaf recipe. Try this burrata salad, Brussel sprout salad, quinoa salad or this coleslaw!
    • Bread. fresh, warm homemade bread is a perfect side dish to this easy meatloaf. try this no knead bread, homemade dinner rolls, pretzel bread, whole wheat dinner rolls, and this amazing cornbread. 

    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

    FAQs about Meatloaf

    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

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    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 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 Servings
    Calories 157 kcal

    Equipment

    • glass batter bowl
    • spatula
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • baking sheet
    • roasting wire rack

    Ingredients
      

    Turkey Meatloaf

    • 1 lb ground turkey
    • ½ cup breadcrumbs (1 slice of bread made into breadcrumbs)*
    • ¼ cup finely diced onion
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 TBS minced garlic
    • 1 tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

    Glaze:

    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
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    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 the turkey 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 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

    *To make your own bread crumbs:

    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. 

    To store: 

    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: 1sliceCalories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 16gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 602mgPotassium: 338mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Did you make this recipe?

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren

      March 07, 2023 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      I have made this several times, great recipe! I follow all the directions and make it ahead of time. Turns out great every time. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 07, 2023 at 4:46 pm

        Thank you so much Lauren! I'm so glad you love it!

        Reply
    2. terirose22

      February 22, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      I doubled up on the ground turkey and used 2 pounds. Baked in a loaf pan at 400° for about 60 minutes, drained it, added the sauce to warm it up and then broiled for a couple minutes to caramelize. To the sauce I added a squirt of Dijon mustard and a squirt of sriracha which was excellent! The meatloaf was juicy, pretty tasty, and done to a turn, but I really felt like it needed more seasoning or something to perk up the flavor of the meat itself. I’ll play with the seasoning and see what happens next time.

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 23, 2023 at 6:50 am

        If you doubled the ground turkey without doubling the spices, of course it would taste bland.

        Reply

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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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