HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF: TURKEY MEATLOAF

TURKEY MEATLOAF - BEST EVER

What Makes This the Best?

Super moist thanks to milk, eggs, and sautéed onions.
Huge flavor from Worcestershire, Dijon, herbs, and garlic.
Perfect texture — not dense, not crumbly.
A glossy, sticky glaze that bakes into a sweet-tangy top.

INGREDIENTS

For the Meatloaf

2 lbs ground turkey (93% lean recommended for juiciness)
1 ¼ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but excellent)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Glaze

½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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:

breadcrumbs
milk
Worcestershire
ketchup
Dijon
eggs

Stir well. Let sit 2–3 minutes to soften.

4. Mix the meatloaf

Add:

sautéed onion/garlic
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
smoked paprika
parsley
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:

internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
juices run clear
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

Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
Roasted green beans or carrots
Side salad with vinaigrette
Toasted sandwich slices for leftover meatloaf sandwiches

STORAGE

Refrigerate: up to 4 days
Freeze slices: up to 3 months
Reheat: 300°F oven, covered with foil, 15–20 minutes

OTHER RECIPES

INGREDIENTS

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

In bowl combine all ingredients.

Squish with hands until blended.

Press into bread loaf pan.

Bake in oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until top is nice and brown.
Pickle and Cheese variation:

Press 2/3 of mixture into pan.

Using your fingers or a spoon, form a tunnel in the center.

Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped sweet or dill pickles into the tunnel.
Top with the remaining mixture and bake as directed above.

This variation is super yummy, we like the sweet pickles best! Enjoy !

VIDEO:

HEALTHY TURKEY MEATLOAF