This turkey meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! Made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and spices, it’s juicy and full of flavor.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a warm slice of meatloaf? I like to serve it with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s fantastic as leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the meatloaf. I prefer using lean turkey for a healthier option, but it can be a bit dry, so keep that in mind. If you want more flavor, you could mix in a bit of ground beef or pork!
Bread Crumbs: I usually use plain breadcrumbs, but seasoned ones add extra flavor too. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Milk: Any milk works here, even plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the meatloaf’s savory flavor.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best! These add sweetness and depth. If you’re low on fresh, use onion powder and garlic powder, but reduce the quantity as they have stronger flavors.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor. If you don’t have it, try dried herbs or swap in basil or cilantro for a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf is Moist and Flavorful?
The key is in properly mixing your ingredients without overdoing it. Here’s how:
- Start by soaking the breadcrumbs in milk. This helps keep your turkey meatloaf moist.
- When mixing, combine until just blended to avoid a dense texture.
- Shape the loaf gently to keep air in, which helps with moisture.
- Cover it with ketchup for that delicious glaze during baking, which also helps keep it juicy.
Letting it rest before slicing is crucial, as this helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Topping:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey meatloaf recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. So, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish—a perfect time to prep a side dish, like mashed potatoes or veggies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Loaf Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly. Lightly grease your loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let them soak for about 5 minutes. This step is important because it helps keep the meatloaf moist.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined, but be careful not to overmix as that can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf if you’re not using a pan. Be gentle when shaping to keep the texture light and fluffy.
5. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup with mustard (if you’re using it). Spread this mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf for a tasty glaze.
6. Time to Bake:
Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
7. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep it juicy when you slice it. During this time, you can start prepping your sides!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After resting, slice the meatloaf and garnish it with fresh chopped parsley or thyme. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or any of your favorite sides.
This turkey meatloaf is a great dinner choice: moist, flavorful, and topped with a lovely glaze! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even a combination of different meats. Just keep in mind that different meats have different fat contents, so you may need to adjust cooking times and moistness factors accordingly.
Can I Make Turkey Meatloaf in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also freeze it before cooking. Wrap it in plastic and then foil, and it will last in the freezer for about 2-3 months!
How Do I Know When the Meatloaf is Done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf; it should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
What Should I Serve with Turkey Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs great with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or rice to round out the meal!
