• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Published: June 26, 2019 Last Modified: June 26, 2019 By Sara 27 Comments

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe | Healthy Meatloaf #meatloaf #turkey #dinner #dinneratthezoo

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.

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe | Healthy Meatloaf #meatloaf #turkey #dinner #dinneratthezoo Turkey Meatloaf Recipe | Healthy Meatloaf #meatloaf #turkey #dinner #dinneratthezoo

A sliced turkey meatloaf topped with ketchup and chopped parsley.

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.

Ground turkey, seasonings, breadcrumbs, onion and herbs in a mixing bowl.

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.

A ground turkey mixture shaped into a loaf.

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.

A baked meatloaf topped with ketchup.

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.

Sliced turkey meatloaf served over mashed potatoes with green beans.

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
A sliced turkey meatloaf topped with ketchup and chopped parsley.
Print Pin
5 from 16 votes

Turkey Meatloaf

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!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 266kcal
Author Sara Welch

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 584mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 4.3mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Cereal Bars Recipe
    Cream Cheese Fruit Dip »

    Comments

    1. Joie says

      April 29, 2020 at 11:55 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 29, 2020 at 4:51 pm

        Any other type of broth, bouillion cube mixed with water, or just plain water!

        Reply
    2. Michelle says

      April 25, 2020 at 8:18 am

      If I have 3 pounds of ground turkey meat will this recipe work?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 25, 2020 at 4:15 pm

        Yes, you can scale up the recipe by adjusting the serving size, the ingredient amounts will automatically recalculate.

        Reply
    3. Sue says

      April 18, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      At this time this comfort food recipe was perfect! Of course we saved some for sandwhiches!

      Reply
    4. Jackie says

      March 26, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    5. Christine Allen says

      October 27, 2019 at 3:44 pm

      What if I don’t have any worchestire sauce, is there something that I can add?

      Christine

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 27, 2019 at 8:13 pm

        You could use a little soy sauce!

        Reply
    6. Lyndsey Wolfsmith says

      July 20, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Can you prepare this ahead and freeze ?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 20, 2019 at 3:54 pm

        Yes that would be fine!

        Reply
        • Sari Shear says

          April 18, 2020 at 12:08 pm

          Can i bake in loaf pan instead of on a sheet pan?

          Reply
          • Sara says

            April 18, 2020 at 9:22 pm

            Yes that’s fine!

            Reply
    7. Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says

      July 1, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      Looks like I have a new favorite meatloaf recipe! This is awesome!

      Reply
    8. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      June 29, 2019 at 6:57 am

      5 stars
      This needs to happen at my house very soon!!

      Reply
      • Hilda says

        July 16, 2020 at 7:14 pm

        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?

        Reply
        • Sara says

          July 16, 2020 at 9:36 pm

          I’d use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce!

          Reply
    9. Catalina says

      June 28, 2019 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      The best dish for a family or Sunday dinner! I will try your recipe!

      Reply
    10. Beth Pierce says

      June 28, 2019 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    11. Jacque Hooper says

      June 28, 2019 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    12. Taylor says

      June 28, 2019 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      A weeknight favorite! Love the healthier swap using ground turkey!

      Reply
    13. Demeter says

      June 28, 2019 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      I love this healthier twist on a classic! Sounds perfectly flavorful.

      Reply
    14. Kim Seghers says

      June 27, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    15. Cathy says

      June 27, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      This turkey meatloaf recipe looks so delicious and perfectly moist! Definitely a fabulous twist on the traditional recipe! Love love this!

      Reply
    16. Kelly Anthony says

      June 27, 2019 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    17. Patty at Spoonabilities says

      June 27, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    18. Pam Greer says

      June 27, 2019 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    19. Julie Menghini says

      June 27, 2019 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      I appreciate the tips on the perfect type of ground turkey to buy for this meatloaf and how to make this perfectly delicious.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Game Day Snacks

    A hand putting a piece of bread into artichoke dip.

    Artichoke Dip Recipe

    A recipe for sweet and spicy pineapple pork kebabs served on a bed of pineapple cilantro rice. #KingofFlavor AD @ElYucateco

    Pork Kabobs with Pineapple

    Fried onion rings on a plate with a side of ketchup.

    The Best Onion Rings Recipe

    A bowl of shrimp ceviche marinated in citrus juice with tomato, avocado, cilantro and jalapeno.

    Shrimp Ceviche

    A large veggie tray with assorted fresh and steamed vegetables, ranch dip and hummus.

    The Best Veggie Tray

    A plate of fried chicken wings served with ranch dip.

    Fried Chicken Wings

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    This chicken noodle casserole is diced chicken, veggies and egg noodles all in a creamy sauce.

    Chicken Noodle Casserole

    A plate of grilled salmon fillets garnished with lemon and herbs.

    Grilled Salmon with Garlic and Herbs

    This recipe for greek chicken souvlaki is skewers of tender chicken breast marinated in lemon, garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. FosterFarmsOrganic AD

    Chicken Souvlaki

    This recipe for lemon asparagus pasta combines tender asparagus and grilled chicken with pasta in a lemon cream sauce. It's a delicious and hearty entree that everyone will want seconds of!

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food