The BEST Turkey Meatloaf Recipe - iFoodReal.com (2024)

This easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is so juicy, moist and flavorful healthy comfort food. Topped with a simple ketchup glaze, this homestyle classic is sure to be a hit at your house!

I know turkey has a reputation for being dry, but trust me, this tasty turkey meatloaf will wow your entire family. After making super moist Instant Pot meatloaf thanks to all that steam, I knew I had to perfect its oven baked version.

This is it! The best turkey meatloaf recipe that is so juicy even ground turkey haters will think they are eating beef.

Not only have readers rated this recipe 5 stars, I have heard rave reviews from friends whose husbands also approved this turkey chili, turkey burgers and turkey meatballs.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make this easy turkey meatloaf recipe you will need just a few simple ingredients you more likely have on hand right now. It can also be gluten free, dairy free and even grain free, if desired.

• Ground turkey:Lean ground turkey or extra lean ground turkey. Just know if the package says one pound and three ounces, it is fine. Pre-packaged ground turkey sold in most grocery stores is of that weight, not exactly 1 lb.
• Egg: It helps to bind all ingredients and add moisture.
• Oatmeal: Quick, rolled or quick cooking steel cut oats work. If using steel cut, soak them for 1 hour. You can also use same amount of breadcrumbs and skip milk.
• Milk: You can use regular milk or any dairy free milk. Water works too, just less flavor.
• Onion and garlic: Not only do they add flavor but make meat more juicy.
• Seasonings:Balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper.
• Ketchup:3 tablespoons goes a long way for the easy glaze.

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf

Here is how to make turkey meatloaf without extra steps with this step-by-step photo collage. There is also full recipe card below.

• Soak oats with milk for 10 minutes: Do so while you are mincing onion, garlic, and getting other ingredients ready. No need to drain them before adding to meat mixture. This step ensures juicy turkey meatloaf that’s full of flavor.
• Combine ingredients and shape meatloaf: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, egg, onion, garlic, soaked oats, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper and mix well using your hands. Then place meatloaf mixture in regular 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or shape one meatloaf or into four mini meatloaves on lined baking sheet.
• Bake: Bake meatloaf for 45 minutes or smaller loaves for 35 minutes in preheated 400 degrees F oven. Meatloaf is ready when meatthermometer inserted in the center of loaf shows internal temperature of 160 F.
• Glaze meatloaf with ketchup:I used just 3 tablespoons of quality ketchup. I used to make fancy glaze with tomato paste and balsamic vinegar but not anymore. Remove from the oven, brush with ketchup, garnish with fresh parsley and cut into 8 slices using sharp knife.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overwork the turkey mixture: It will make your turkey meatloaf dense and less tender.
• Double the meat? You can double the recipe but cooking time would be close to 70 minutes. Again, check with internal read thermometer.
• Not a ground turkey fan? Try using half ground beef and half ground turkey if your family prefers traditional meatloaf. Just to slowly transition them.
• Don’t overbake: Because meatloaf with turkey will start drying out. Follow the recipe, know your oven and use instant-read thermometer.
• Muffins: Make 12 meatloaf muffins and bake for 35-40 minutes or so. Check with internal read thermometer for 160 degrees F.
• Rest meat: If you have the time, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This will redistribute meat juices and you will have moist turkey meatloaf!

How to Make Ahead and Store It

Store: Refrigerate leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Eat as is or use these great leftovers to make meatloaf sandwiches!

Keep Warm: I kept meatloaf warm along with Instant Pot mashed potatoes until dinner. It was my lucky day I made those potatoes because in a food blogger’s life dinner is usually ready at lunchtime.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes. I usually make 2 meatloaves. You can freeze cooked, cooled and sliced turkey meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or simmer in a covered pot with a splash of water. I do not like to warm up meatloaf in the oven because it dries out.

Favorite Sides to Serve With Meatloaf

• Starch: Serve meatloaf warm with mashed potatoes or brown rice.
• Vegetable: Steamed vegetables or this air fryer asparagus recipe are all delicious.
• Salad: Simple lettuce salad or spinach salad are easy to put together while your turkey meatloaf bakes.

Variations

• Using breadcrumbs: You can use bread crumbs in place of oats in this ground turkey meatloaf recipe. Then skip milk.
• Add heat: Add chipotle in adobo, red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture for spicy meatloaf.
• Other ground meat: Ground chicken or ground beef could be used. Ground chicken is a bit more dry and beef more ‘greasy’ but both will work.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon can add a ‘beefier’ taste.
• Glaze: Use low sugar barbecue sauce or your favorite glaze!
• Other herbs: Swap oregano for dried thyme, Italian seasoning, or parsley!
• Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, and mushrooms are common to add to turkey loaf. You will need to saute them first in olive oil to soften before mixing in with meatloaf.

FAQs

More Ground Turkey Recipes

• Ground turkey and zucchini
• Ground turkey and broccoli pasta
• Turkey quinoa casserole
• Ground turkey taco soup
• Spinach feta turkey burgers

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