Feb 25, 2024, Updated Oct 14, 2024
Healthy Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
My meat-loving husband doesn’t even realize it is ground turkey, not beef or pork. The best part is that usually doesn’t even like ground turkey and is like a detective when it comes to figuring out when I’ve made a lowfat version of anything. That’s really saying something, meatloaf lovers, about the rich flavor and and juicy texture of this ground turkey meatloaf recipe. This is an easy recipe that the entire family will love!
Here’s What You Need for the Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Let’s break down what you’ll need. I’ll guide you through the ingredients, suggest some variations, and tell you about the tools you’ll need.
Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients
First off, let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a role in making this classic comfort food.
Fresh or panko bread crumbs: They absorb moisture, making the meatloaf tender. Milk: It moistens the breadcrumbs, helping with the meatloaf’s texture. Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions, it adds flavor. Minced onion: It brings a sweet, aromatic base Coarse salt: It seasons the meatloaf from the inside. Minced garlic: Adds a punch of flavor. Mayo: The savory meatloaf stays super juicy thanks to the emulsifiers in mayo. Secret ingredient alert! Mayo is a great way to add extra moisture to turkey meatloaf recipes as well as turkey burgers and turkey meatballs. Fresh parsley or dried: Brings a fresh, herby flavor. Cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of heat. Ground black pepper: Gives a sharp, spicy kick. Eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring the loaf doesn’t crumble. Lean ground turkey: Use two pounds of ground turkey (regular ground turkey is good too!)
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some ideas to tweak this easy turkey meatloaf recipe to your liking.
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten. Milk: Almond or soy milk work great for a dairy-free option. Plain water also works in a pinch (you just won’t get the rich flavor of milk). Meat: Feel free to use ground chicken instead of turkey. Herbs: Mix up the herbs based on what’s in your garden or pantry. A little italian seasoning is nice, too. Eggs: See 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)
Next Reading: Best Seasonings for Meatloaf.
Grab these Tools
To make this meatloaf, you’ll need a few kitchen staples.
Large mixing bowl: For combining the meat mixture . Saucepan: To sauté the onions and garlic. Baking Sheet: Where your meatloaf will take shape and bake. I like the simplicity of a sheet pan, and how all the edges get browned. No need for a meatloaf pan. Meat thermometer: AN instant read thermometer ensures your meatloaf is cooked perfectly inside.
How to Make Ground Turkey Meatloaf
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf: An Easy Guide Making turkey meatloaf is simpler than you might think. I’m here to guide you through each step.
Prepping the Base
Start by combining the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let them soak up the milk to get soft. This is key for a tender meatloaf.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Next, heat some olive oil in a small skillet. Add the onion and a bit of salt. Cook until the onion is soft. Then, throw in the garlic just until it’s fragrant. Let this mix cool a bit before the next step.
Making the Turkey Meatloaf Mixture
After your onion mixture has cooled, add it to the panko breadcrumbs. Now, stir in the mayo, parsley, the remaining salt, pepper, and cayenne. Once cool, blend in the eggs. Finally, gently mix in the ground turkey. You want it well-combined but not overworked.
Shaping and Baking
Transfer the turkey mixture to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (or spray the pan with nonstick spray) and into shape it into a loaf shape. At this point, you can add a tangy glaze to the top of the meatloaf (see ideas below) for a little bit of extra flavor. Bake at 375 degrees F until the inside hits 165ºF. This usually takes about an hour. Let it rest a bit before slicing. This rest time is crucial for a juicy meatloaf.
Doneness Temperature of Turkey Meatloaf
Ensuring your turkey meatloaf is perfectly cooked is crucial for both safety and taste. The key is to reach the right internal temperature. For turkey meatloaf, this magic number is 165ºF. Use a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the center of the loaf. Once it hits 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, your meatloaf is done. This guarantees it’s safe to eat and deliciously juicy. Always let it rest before slicing to lock in the flavors and juices.
Next Reading:
Meatloaf Temp Guide: Internal temperatures, oven temperatures, and storage temperatures to know.
Make Ahead and Storage for Moist Turkey Meatloaf
Handling leftovers or preparing in advance is easy with this turkey meatloaf. Here’s what you need to know.
Make ahead: You can mix all the ingredients and shape the loaf a day before. Just keep it covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator or stored in an airtight container. Refrigerating: Once cooked and cooled, wrap the meatloaf tightly. Freezing: Wrap the cooked meatloaf in aluminum foil, then in a freezer bag. Reheating: Here’s how to reheat meatloaf so it stays moist and juicy.
Next Reading:
How Long Does Meatloaf Last in the Fridge? Meatloaf Temp Guide: Internal temperatures, oven temperatures, and storage temperatures to know. Can You Freeze Meatloaf?
How to Serve this Healthy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Serving this ground turkey meatloaf is as enjoyable as making it. Here are some ideas to get it to the table beautifully.
Pair with Sides:
When working with the best meatloaf, its fine to keep the sides simple. Some sweet potatoes, cheesy potatoes, a side of green beans or roasted broccoli all add delicious flavor while keeping things on the lighter side.
The Best Sides for Meatloaf 35+ HEALTHY Meatloaf Sides
Add a sauce:
Steal the gravy from this ground beef Meatloaf with Brown Gravy recipe. Perfect with creamy mashed potatoes! Top the meatloaf with a tangy simple meatloaf glaze to elevate the dish (mine has worcestershire sauce, ketchup and brown sugar) Try a dollop of bbq sauce for bbq turkey meatloaf. Change the flavor with a little chili sauce on top. Keep it simple. Ketchup works wonders for a comfort food vibe, like I do in my best-ever classic meatloaf recipe (it’s one of my favorite recipes. Just a good meatloaf. Try it with lean beef!).
How to Use Up Turkey Meatloaf Leftovers
Sandwiches: Slice and stack on bread with toppings for a classic meatloaf sandwich. Salads: Cube and brown in a large skillet on medium heat then toss into salad for extra protein. Pasta: Mix into sauces for a flavorful dinner option.
Quick, easy, and delicious ways to reinvent your leftovers! Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions. What is the secret to moist turkey meatloaf? The secret to moist turkey meatloaf lies in using the right amount of wet ingredients like milk-soaked breadcrumbs and eggs. These ingredients help retain moisture within the meatloaf, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful. Also be sure not to overcook it. Why is my turkey meatloaf rubbery? Turkey meatloaf can turn rubbery if overmixed. Gentle mixing and the right balance of ingredients are key to preventing a tough, rubbery texture. Is it better to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered? Cooking meatloaf uncovered is generally preferred. It allows the exterior to develop a nice crust. If you’re concerned about drying out, you can cover it for part of the cooking time and then uncover it to finish. How long should you cook meatloaf and what temperature? You should cook meatloaf at 350ºF for about 1 hour. The key is to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, indicating it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in turkey meatloaf? Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use oats, crushed crackers, or even cooked quinoa as a binder. These alternatives can also add unique flavors and textures to your meatloaf. Is turkey meatloaf healthier than beef meatloaf? Turkey meatloaf is generally considered healthier than beef meatloaf due to its lower fat content. However, the overall nutritional value depends on the other ingredients used. What’s the best way to slice meatloaf without it falling apart? Letting the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after baking firms it up and makes slicing easier. Use a sharp, serrated knife for c More Recipes You’ll Love:
Seasonings for Meatloaf (super-tasty seasoning blend for your favorite meatloaf recipes!) 37+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes Lipton Meatloaf Recipe (Shh… I won’t tell if you try this shortcut!) Juicy Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer Juiciest Ground Chicken Burgers Healthy Ground Turkey Soup
