This turkey meatloaf is a family favorite that is just as moist and flavorful as one prepared with ground beef. It is simple to make and even freezes fantastically well so that you can enjoy it later. Packed with protein and delicious, this easy dinner can't go wrong.
If this is your first time making meatloaf, or if you just want some fantastic tips and tricks, check out my ultimate guide to making meatloaf.
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If you can't tell by my collection of meatloaf recipes, I love meatloaf. It is simple to make and uses common ingredients I always have. My entire family loves it!
From stovetop meatloaf to smoked meatloaf, and even air-fryer meatloaf, I feel like I've tried it all! Today, I'm sharing my tasty turkey meatloaf with you for a healthier, protein-packed (and still delicious) alternative.
🥘 Ingredients
- Ground Turkey - If you can't find ground turkey, you could always substitute it for ground chicken.
- Breadcrumbs - You may need to add more breadcrumbs or dried bread cubes to ensure that your meatloaf is the perfect consistency.
- Onion - Finely diced yellow or white onion.
- Eggs - Eggs are the binding agent that holds the meatloaf together.
- Meatloaf Seasoning - I love using this homemade blend of spices, but you can use your favorite seasonings.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Worcestershire sauce adds a distinctive tangy flavor.
- Milk - You can use your preferred milk variety.
- Ketchup - Some ketchup for the topping.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Turkey Meatloaf
Making meatloaf is truly as simple as mixing and then baking. You will need a 9x13 baking dish, a mixing bowl, and measuring utensils for this easy recipe.
One 9x13 meatloaf serves 10 people, which is perfect for a large family (or for later enjoying leftovers.)
Form the Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
Step 2: Add ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 3 pounds of ground turkey, 3 cups of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of diced onion, 3 large eggs, 1½ tablespoons of meatloaf seasoning, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of milk.
Step 3: Mix. Thoroughly combine the ingredients, being careful not to over-mix the meatloaf.
Step 4: Pat into the pan. Place the mixture into your prepared pan and pat it down so that it is in an even layer, going all the way to the edges of the pan.
Bake & Add Topping
Step 5: Bake. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Coat with ketchup. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and coat it with ⅓ cup of ketchup. Return the meatloaf to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Rest. Once done, remove the cooked meatloaf from the oven and drain off any excess grease. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Adjust the breadcrumbs. The amount of breadcrumbs is a starting point for the bread cubes; add more to soak up a little more moisture in the meatloaf mixture as needed. Your mix should be moist but not wet.
- Use a thermometer. The best and most accurate way to know when your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. To learn more, take a look at meatloaf internal temperatures.
- Try meatloaf seasoning. I love using my simple homemade meatloaf seasoning, but you can use your preferred blend.
- Prepare in advance. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for one day before baking.
- Don't overmix the meat. Overmixing your meat will cause the meatloaf to be tougher. For more tips and tricks, check out my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf, as well as how to make meatloaf.
- Add some sides. Look at my post on what to serve with meatloaf for delicious pairing ideas.
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🥡 Storing & Reheating
Keep leftover meatloaf in a storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze an unbaked meatloaf, prepare the mixture and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep frozen for 3 months and let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Alternatively, you can also freeze cooked meatloaf. Slice your meatloaf into servings and place them into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Take a look at my guide to freezing meatloaf to learn more.
Reheating
You can reheat single slices on a damp paper towel-lined plate in the microwave. For larger portions or reheating the whole meatloaf, place it in a baking dish with a splash of water and cover it with foil. Bake at 250°F (120°C/Gas Mark ½) until heated.
Take a look at my guide to reheating meatloaf to learn more.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Eggs and breadcrumbs are the binding agents in meatloaf. If your turkey meatloaf is falling apart, you likely don't have enough of these binding ingredients. Start with 3 cups of breadcrumbs and add more as needed. You want your meatloaf mixture to be moist but not wet.
Yes! Making this turkey meatloaf gluten-free is incredibly simple. Just opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs (or even certified gluten-free oats).
A meat thermometer is the best way to tell when your meatloaf is done. When cooked, your turkey meatloaf should have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
😋 More Meatloaf Recipes
- Sweet and Sour Meatloaf - If you're a fan of sweet and sour sauce, you need to take a look at this tasty meatloaf recipe.
- BBQ Meatloaf - Classic meatloaf is topped with a homemade BBQ glaze for a tasty variation.
- Meatloaf with Oatmeal - This recipe uses quick oats instead of breadcrumbs!
- Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf - Adding some Lipton onion soup mix elevates the flavor of this meatloaf.
- Taco Meatloaf - Swap your meatloaf seasoning for taco seasoning and add tortilla chips, cheese, and taco sauce.
- Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf - Wrapping your meatloaf in bacon is an easy and delicious way to add flavor.
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground turkey
- 3 cups breadcrumbs (or dried bread cubes)
- ½ cup yellow onion (finely diced)
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ tablespoon meatloaf seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup ketchup (reserved for the topping)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced onion, eggs, meatloaf seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
- Thoroughly combine the ingredients, being careful not to over-mix the meatloaf.
- Place the mixture into your prepared pan and pat it down so that it is in an even layer, going all the way to the edges of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and coat it with ketchup. Place the meatloaf back into the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Once done, remove the cooked meatloaf from the oven and drain off any excess grease before allowing the meat to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The amount of breadcrumbs is a starting point for the bread cubes, add more to soak up a little more moisture in the meatloaf mixture as needed. Your mix should be moist but not wet.
- Using a meat thermometer is the best and most accurate way of knowing when your meatloaf is done. If you want to learn more, take a look at meatloaf internal temperatures.
- I love using my simple homemade meatloaf seasoning, but you can use your own preferred blend.
- You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator for one day before baking!
- Overmixing your meat will cause the meatloaf to be tougher. For more tips and tricks, check out my ultimate guide to cooking meatloaf as well as how to make meatloaf!
- To store: Keep leftover meatloaf in a storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze unbaked meatloaf: You can prepare your meatloaf mixture and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep frozen for up to 3 months and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- To freeze leftovers: Slice your meatloaf into servings and place them into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat: You can reheat single slices on a damp paper towel line plate in the microwave. For larger portions or reheating the whole meatloaf, you can place the meatloaf into a baking dish with a splash of water and cover it with foil. Bake in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until heated through.
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