Posted Jan 31, 2022, Updated Feb 19, 2024 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!
Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients & 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.
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.
Make the Meatloaf
Next, prepare the turkey meatloaf. Begin by combining the wet ingredients in a large bow. Then, add the ground turkey, onions and breadcrumbs and stir until combined.
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. 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.
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. Fries. make some homemade french fries or sweet potato fries. 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. 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 see your creations!
