BASIC TURKEY MEATLOAF



BASIC TURKEY MEATLOAF

🦃 Basic Turkey Meatloaf
A simple, classic, and juicy meatloaf made with lean ground turkey — easy to prepare and full of home-cooked flavor!

This recipe keeps things straightforward with a few pantry ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.


🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)

  • 1 large egg

  • ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup milk (or chicken broth for extra flavor)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds rich flavor)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

🍅 For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

  • ⅓ cup ketchup

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp yellow mustard or apple cider vinegar


👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

  • Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.


2. Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley.

  2. Stir in breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic until well combined.

  3. Add ground turkey and mix gently with your hands until evenly blended.

    ⚠️ Don’t overmix — it can make the meatloaf dense and dry.


3. Shape the Meatloaf

  • Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.

  • Smooth the top with a spatula.


4. Add Glaze

  • Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.

  • Spread half of the glaze over the top before baking.


5. Bake

  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush with the remaining glaze.


6. Rest and Serve

  • Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables.


🌟 Tips for Perfect Turkey Meatloaf

  • 🧅 Grate or finely mince onions for even texture.

  • 💧 Add a splash of milk or broth if the mixture feels too firm.

  • 🍗 For extra flavor, mix in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or 1 tsp smoked paprika.

  • ❄️ Freezer-friendly: wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.


🍽️ Quick Summary

StepActionTip
1Preheat oven375°F / 190°C
2Mix turkey & seasoningsDon’t overmix
3Shape loafUse loaf pan for uniform shape
4Add glazeSweet, tangy flavor boost
5BakeUntil 165°F internal
6Rest before slicingKeeps juices inside


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OTHER INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/3 c. chopped onion
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. dry mustard

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix and place loaf in a greased baking dish for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

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EASY TURKEY MEATLOAF


Easy Turkey Meatloaf

🦃 Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
A lighter, healthier take on a comfort food classic — moist, flavorful, and simple to make!

This easy turkey meatloaf uses lean ground turkey, herbs, and a tangy glaze to create a juicy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.


🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6)

🦃 For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground turkey (93% lean works best)

  • 1 egg

  • ¾ cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-style)

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp oregano)

🍅 For the Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup ketchup

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp mustard (optional – for tangy flavor)


👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

  • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

  • Line a loaf pan (9x5-inch) with parchment paper or lightly grease it.


2. Mix the Meatloaf

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and seasonings.

  2. Add the breadcrumbs, onion, and garlic. Stir until moistened.

  3. Gently fold in the ground turkey — mix just until combined.

    ⚠️ Do not overmix — this can make the meatloaf dense or dry.


3. Shape and Glaze

  • Press the turkey mixture evenly into the loaf pan.

  • In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

  • Spread half of the glaze over the top of the loaf.


4. Bake

  • Bake for 45 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.

  • Continue baking 10–15 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).


5. Rest and Serve

  • Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.


🌟 Tips for the Best Turkey Meatloaf

  • 🧅 Finely mince onions so they blend smoothly into the loaf.

  • 💧 Add milk or a few tablespoons of broth if the mixture feels too dry.

  • 🍗 Leftovers taste even better the next day — great for sandwiches!

  • ❄️ Freezer-friendly: wrap cooked slices in foil and freeze up to 3 months.


🍽️ Quick Summary

StepActionTip
1Preheat oven375°F / 190°C
2Mix ingredientsDon’t overmix
3Shape and glazeAdd half glaze first
4Bake55–60 minutes total
5Rest before slicingKeeps meatloaf juicy

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OTHER INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 1 sm. onion, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes
  • 1 1/2-2 c. oatmeal
  • 1/2 c. milk

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients, except oatmeal and milk, together in a large bowl. Then stir in oatmeal until desired consistency (using your hands is easier to mix). Place the mixture in a 2 quart baking dish. Shape with your hands to make an oval, not allowing the loaf to touch the sides. Pour the milk over the meatloaf mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil or lid. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Makes 6-8 servings.

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