Published 1/13/2023 • Updated 1/21/2023 The lean turkey is cooked with onion, garlic, spices, and the classic ketchup and Worcestershire blend to make the ultimate weeknight dinner.
The BEST Ground Turkey Meatloaf
Calling all meatloaf lovers. This easy turkey meatloaf recipe is for you! If you’ve made this classic dish before, you’d know that making a meatloaf that doesn’t come out dense or dry can be tricky. But with this great recipe, you’ll make a deliciously moist and tender meatloaf — every time! Serve your juicy turkey meatloaf with baked potatoes and roasted green veggies like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for the perfect, easy meal. This meaty masterpiece is slathered in ketchup, so the kids will love it!
Ground Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients
Meat
Ground turkey
Fresh Ingredients
Yellow onionGarlicLarge eggsWhole milk Olive oil
Grains
Plain bread crumbs
Spices
SaltBlack pepper Garlic powderPaprika
Condiments
KetchupWorcestershire sauce
How to Make Ground Turkey Meatloaf
PREHEAT OVEN
Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper. The meat is seasoned with onion and garlic and simple spices, making it full of flavor. It’s a classic, family-favorite recipe that even the pickiest of eaters will love! Wild Rice Meatloaf
SAUTÉ ONION + GARLIC
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the olive oil is fragrant, add the onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes, and then add the minced garlic, sautéing for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
MAKE THE SAUCE
Next, whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Then add milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk all the ingredients together until combined.
MIX IT ALL TOGETHER
Add the ground turkey, bread crumbs, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, sautéd onion and garlic, and the rest of the salt to the large mixing bowl with the egg mixture. Use your hands to mix all of the ingredients together. Pro Tip: Do NOT overwork the turkey meat, or it will lose its texture and flavor.
BAKE YOUR MEATLOAF
Transfer the turkey meatloaf mixture to the lined loaf pan, evening out the top of the meatloaf with a spatula. Bake your meatloaf for 35 minutes. When finished cooking, remove it from the oven and spread 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup over the top. Place the meatloaf back in the oven for 20 more minutes or until the center of the meatloaf has reached 165°F. Pro Tip: Depending on the fat percentage of your meat, you may have excess liquid in your loaf pan. Feel free to use it as a gravy when serving, or discard — your choice!
SERVE + ENJOY
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, lift the sides of the parchment paper to carry the meatloaf out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut the meatloaf into slices. Serve and enjoy! We love to serve our meatloaf with a veggie and a starch side, such as these roasted brussels sprouts and these baked potatoes.
Internal Temperature for Ground Turkey
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know that your meatloaf is fully cooked. Stick the thermometer into the center of your meatloaf and stop about halfway. The reading for a turkey meatloaf should be at least 165ºF. If you’re subbing for other ground meat varieties in this meatloaf, the internal temperature should be as follows:
beef: 160ºFpork: 165ºFchicken: 165ºFturkey: 165ºF
Storage
Allow your meatloaf to cool completely. Then, transfer into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat: cover the loaf pan with tin foil and bake at 325ºF for 10 minutes or until completely warm. Remove the tin foil and broil for the last 1-2 minutes to caramelize the ketchup on top. Feel free to add additional ketchup to your liking.
Can you Freeze Turkey Meatloaf?
Yes! First, allow the meatloaf to cool completely. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer. This turkey meatloaf will be kept for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container or in the freezer. When thawing: allow the meatloaf to thaw completely in the fridge before following the reheating instructions above.
Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground Turkey ShellsFajita Ground Turkey Lettuce WrapsThe BEST Turkey Burger RecipeTurkey MeatballsPumpkin ChiliTurkey Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet
