TURKEY MEATLOAF - BEST EVER
What Makes This the Best?
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Super moist thanks to milk, eggs, and sautéed onions.
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Huge flavor from Worcestershire, Dijon, herbs, and garlic.
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Perfect texture — not dense, not crumbly.
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A glossy, sticky glaze that bakes into a sweet-tangy top.
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatloaf
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2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean recommended for juiciness)
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1 ¼ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
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½ cup milk
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but excellent)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Glaze
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½ cup ketchup
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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Optional: pinch cayenne for a little heat
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment OR lightly grease a loaf pan.
Tip: A free-form loaf on a baking sheet gives better edges and caramelization.
2. Sauté the veggies
In a small skillet, heat olive oil.
Add diced onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Let cool slightly.
Why: Cooking the onions prevents raw onion pieces and adds sweetness and moisture.
3. Hydrate the breadcrumbs
In a large bowl, combine:
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breadcrumbs
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milk
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Worcestershire
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ketchup
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Dijon
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eggs
Stir well. Let sit 2–3 minutes to soften.
4. Mix the meatloaf
Add:
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sautéed onion/garlic
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Italian seasoning
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salt
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pepper
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smoked paprika
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parsley
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ground turkey
Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Do not overmix — it makes meatloaf tough.
5. Shape
Transfer mixture to your sheet or pan.
Shape into a loaf about 9 inches long and 3–4 inches high.
6. Add the glaze
Stir glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
Brush half the glaze over the meatloaf.
7. Bake
Bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on thickness, until:
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internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
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juices run clear
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top is glossy
Brush remaining glaze on during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
8. Rest
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.
This keeps it juicy and helps it hold its shape.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
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Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
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Roasted green beans or carrots
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Side salad with vinaigrette
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Toasted sandwich slices for leftover meatloaf sandwiches
STORAGE
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Refrigerate: up to 4 days
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Freeze slices: up to 3 months
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Reheat: 300°F oven, covered with foil, 15–20 minutes
- 1 pkg. ground turkey 97% lean (1 & 1/4 lb.)
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing - restaurant style
- 1/4 cup prepared barbecue sauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs - plain
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Pickle and Cheese variation:
Top with the remaining mixture and bake as directed above.


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