This recipe for turkey meatloaf is ground turkey mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then topped with ketchup and baked to perfection. A lighter version of meatloaf that’s just as juicy and flavorful as the original!
Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that’s perfect to use in a variety of dishes including turkey chili, turkey burgers and this super flavorful meatloaf.
Meatloaf is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. This turkey meatloaf has less calories than the traditional beef variety, but it’s packed full of flavor and also happens to be quite easy to make!
How do you make turkey meatloaf?
This recipe starts by cooking the onion and garlic until softened. The onion and garlic get added to a large bowl along with ground turkey, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and breadcrumbs. Everything gets mixed together, then the mixture is shaped into a loaf. Add ketchup over then top, then bake the meatloaf for one hour. Take the meatloaf out of the oven, then let it rest for five minutes, slice, and serve.
Tips for turkey meatloaf
- Shape the meatloaf high as it tends to spread out a bit as it cooks. You can also cook the meatloaf in a loaf pan if you prefer.
- Make sure the entire surface of the meatloaf is covered by ketchup for a nice flavorful glaze.
- Turkey meatloaf can be made as a single loaf or as individual meatloaves in muffin tins. Individual meatloaves will have a shorter cook time, plan on 20-30 minutes.
- This recipe calls for 93% lean ground turkey. Do not use 99% lean ground turkey breast as the fat content is too low and the meatloaf will dry out in the oven.
How to make a meatloaf sandwich
You’ll want to use a sturdy bread like a french roll to hold up to the meatloaf. Toast the bread to keep it from getting soggy. Heat meatloaf all the way through in a toaster oven, regular oven or a microwave. Feel free to add tomatoes and lettuce or your favorite toppings to the sandwich.
Turkey meatloaf variations
This meatloaf recipe is delicious as-is, but there are some great ways to customize the dish with different flavor variations.
- Italian: Add 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and use Italian breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Top the meatloaf with marinara sauce instead of ketchup.
- Mexican: Add 1/2 cup each of cheddar cheese, black beans, and corn to the meatloaf. For extra flavor and spice, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
- Cheesesteak: Add 1/2 cup each chopped of cooked peppers and mushrooms to the meatloaf. Also add 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese to the meatloaf.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the meatloaf.
My whole family loves this recipe, I typically serve it with mashed potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a hearty meal without a lot of effort!
More easy dinner recipes
- Cheeseburger Meatloaf
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
- Braised Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes
- Chicken Casserole
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 1/2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
- Place the garlic and onion mixture in a large bowl along with the ground turkey, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and breadcrumbs. Stir well to combine.
- Place the turkey mixture on the sheet pan and shape into a loaf. Spread the ketchup over the loaf.
- Bake for one hour or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the meat loaf registers 160 degrees F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle parsley over the top. Slice, then serve.
Joie says
Hi I don’t have chicken broth on hand. What else can I replace it with? Thanks for sharing this recipe, looking forward to trying it with 3 lbs ground turkey!
Sara says
Any other type of broth, bouillion cube mixed with water, or just plain water!
Michelle says
If I have 3 pounds of ground turkey meat will this recipe work?
Sara says
Yes, you can scale up the recipe by adjusting the serving size, the ingredient amounts will automatically recalculate.
Sue says
At this time this comfort food recipe was perfect! Of course we saved some for sandwhiches!
Jackie says
I just made this meatloaf for dinner and it was amazing ! Even my picky teenager loved it. This will definitely be on our weekly menu. Thank you so much for the incredible recipe.
Christine Allen says
What if I don’t have any worchestire sauce, is there something that I can add?
Christine
Sara says
You could use a little soy sauce!
Lyndsey Wolfsmith says
Can you prepare this ahead and freeze ?
Sara says
Yes that would be fine!
Sari Shear says
Can i bake in loaf pan instead of on a sheet pan?
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
Looks like I have a new favorite meatloaf recipe! This is awesome!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Hilda says
Hi, you said we can replace the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce if we don’t have it but how much should we use for 3lbs of ground turkey?
Sara says
I’d use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce!
Catalina says
The best dish for a family or Sunday dinner! I will try your recipe!
Beth Pierce says
Love, love, love this! My daughter is taking on cooking in our home, and this was such a great recipe for her to make! Great family dinner recipe!
Jacque Hooper says
This was the very first recipe I every learned to make! I have never used broth before and it was the best ingredient to keep the moisture! Delicious!
Taylor says
A weeknight favorite! Love the healthier swap using ground turkey!
Demeter says
I love this healthier twist on a classic! Sounds perfectly flavorful.
Kim Seghers says
This turkey meatloaf looks so delicious. I love that you used fresh thyme and chicken broth in your recipe. I bet this meatloaf tastes amazing!
Cathy says
This turkey meatloaf recipe looks so delicious and perfectly moist! Definitely a fabulous twist on the traditional recipe! Love love this!
Kelly Anthony says
So thankful that meatloaf never goes out of style! This turkey meatloaf will be perfect on days that I’m wanting a light version of a favorite classic.
Patty at Spoonabilities says
I haven’t made a meatloaf in so long! And I don’t know why because we all love meatloaf! I love that you’ve used turkey – this recipe looks great!
Pam Greer says
I was just looking at a meatloaf recipe the other day, but we’ve been trying to eat less red meat, so this is perfect!! I love that it uses turkey, but I’m going to have to give that bacon cheese variation a try!
Julie Menghini says
I appreciate the tips on the perfect type of ground turkey to buy for this meatloaf and how to make this perfectly delicious.