by HollyMoist Turkey Meatloaf is easy to make and tastes so good your family will request it over and over again!
Loaded with lean ground turkey, seasonings and shredded veggies for moisture, this is the best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe you’ve ever had! It’s perfect for healthy eating and absolutely full of flavor! Learn how to make meatloaf lean & delicious!
Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Meatloaf is an easy meal and one my family requests all of the time! I switch between making our favorite easy Meatloaf made with beef and this turkey meatloaf recipe.
Meatloaf has been a favorite of mine since I was little but now that I’m older I try to balance my meals throughout the week… if I’m eating something indulgent (like my most favorite Mac and Cheese in the whole world) then I like to choose a healthier protein to go with it like this turkey meatloaf or Easy Grilled Chicken Breast.
This turkey meatloaf is so good and it has everything you’d want in a meatloaf… it’s moist and very flavorful. It doesn’t fall apart when you cut it, it reheats perfectly and is great leftover and heated up (although I prefer my leftover meatloaf like my leftover pizza; cold from the fridge… is that just me?).
Like any meat if you overcook it, it can dry out but the added shredded veggies make a tender and moist turkey meatloaf!
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Meatloaf is simple to make. Following the steps below (and using a meat thermometer) will ensure you get a moist tender loaf every time!
Remember not to overmix your meat (this causes a tough/dense meatloaf) and to cook it on a baking pan. If you use a loaf pan, you’ll build up steam and liquid in the pan making for a soggy turkey meatloaf.
- Combine breadcrumbs with eggs and tomato sauce.
- Add onions, ground turkey (or ground chicken) and shredded zucchini or mushrooms.
- Form into a loaf on a baking sheet and bake.
- Add topping and bake/broil.
- Rest a few minutes, slice and serve.
What temperature is turkey meatloaf done?
I most often cook turkey meatloaf at 375°F. This allows the meatloaf to cook through without drying out and keeps the inside tender.
A ground chicken or ground turkey meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer regardless of what meat I’m cooking. It helps ensure it’s done without overcooking and ensures perfect results every time! I have several but my two favorites are:
- Instant Read Digital (under $10):
- An instant read thermometer allows me to quickly check meats without having them out of the oven too long if they’re not done (everything from Oven Baked Chicken Breasts to perfectly tender Pork Tenderloin). Cooking meat right really makes all the difference in the world to your recipes and you can get an instant read thermometer for under $10!
- Digital Probe Thermometer (under $20):
- A Digital Probe Thermometer (under $20) is one of my best kitchen investments (along with my kitchen scale). I love this thermometer, especially for meats that take longer like roasts or Roast Turkey (but I do use it on all kinds of things).This thermometer stays in the meat while it cooks so you know what temperature it’s at. I find it handy to know when to start side dishes and to not have to babysit something in the oven!
How Long to Cook Turkey Meatloaf
The times below can vary based on exactly how thick your meatloaf is formed so it’s best to use a thermometer (above). With ground turkey or ground chicken, you want to be certain the meatloaf reaches 165°F. (I usually take it out at about 162°F because it rises a couple degrees while resting).
- Bake a 1 lb turkey meatloaf for 45-55 minutes.
- Bake a 2 lb turkey meatloaf for 50-60 minutes.
- Bake a 3 lb turkey meatloaf for 65-75 minutes.
Make sure you let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help ensure it doesn’t fall apart stays moist and juicy!
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
To make turkey meatloaf muffins, prepare turkey meatloaf mixture as directed. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full with meatloaf mixture and bake 20-25 minutes or until 165°F.
Why is this Meatloaf Recipe “Best?”
The meatloaf mixture using ground turkey makes this easy meatloaf a healthier alternative to a traditional meatloaf as it’s a little bit leaner! It’s also kept extra moist because it has some sneaky little veggies hidden in it. Vegetables The addition of turkey lightens this meatloaf up in calories, and I find it much richer and flavorful than a typical 100% ground turkey meatloaf.
I love the zesty addition of Chili Sauce, but feel free to use ketchup in its place if you don’t have it! If you are not familiar with Chili Sauce, it is NOT spicy but is just a deliciously zesty sauce similar to ketchup but less sweet.
This healthy meatloaf recipe is always a huge hit and tastes great cold the next day! The leftovers from this recipe were used to create my Mushroom Swiss Patty Melts (and there were only leftovers because I actually hid them in the fridge). :)
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 cup zucchini or mushrooms, finely shredded
- salt & pepper to taste
Turkey Meatloaf Sauce
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Follow Spend with Pennies on Pinterest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Cook onion and butter in a pan until onion is translucent (about 5 minutes). Cool.
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce. Let sit 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and mix just until combined, do not overmix.
Form into a loaf about 4″ wide and 3″ high. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Combine Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients. Spread on top and bake an additional 20 minutes or until center of meatloaf reaches 165°F.
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Bacon was mentioned in the comments but not in the recipe. How much bacon did you add?
If you’d like to add bacon, mix in 3 chopped slices (uncooked). You can also add 3 slices on the top of meatloaf.
Made half the recipe tonight. Used mushrooms, skipped the zucchini (which I hate and never have on hand…maybe would try bell peppers next time). I pureed the onion, then added the mushrooms to the food processor (they ended up more of a fine chop than a puree), because my husband has a thing with the texture of onion bits. I used doctored-up ketchup for the sauce, because I was somehow out of chili sauce (how?? I always have a bottle). Turned out great. We ate a bit more than half, and are excited for leftovers tomorrow. It was more moist than my typical turkey meatloaf, and the sauce was tasty. A smashing success!
I am so glad you were able to use what you had on hand to make a dinner you enjoyed Mia!
Is the bacon cooked before you add it to the mixture? I know the ones you add to the top are most likely raw, but wasnt to sure about the bacon mixed in, thank you in advance!
The bacon inside was raw as well. The little bit of fat helps keep the turkey moist. :)
Does this recipe call for ground ..raw turkey?
Yes, ground raw turkey.