Turkey Meatloaf is made with lean ground turkey, seasonings and shredded veggies for moisture. It’s all topped off with a zesty sauce and baked until tender.
Much like a traditional Meatloaf, this easy turkey meatloaf recipe is perfect served with a pile of mashed potatoes and a generous serving of Homemade Creamed Corn.
To Make the BEST 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. Or recently, this delicious chicken parmesan meatloaf!
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.
Moist Turkey Meatloaf Tips
- Do not to overmix (this causes a tough/dense meatloaf)
- Cook it on a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan so it doesn’t steam
- Shredded veggies add moisture to lean meats
- Rest a few minutes after baking so it holds its shape
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
- Combine breadcrumbs with eggs and tomato sauce (see recipe below).
- Gently mix in ground turkey (or chicken) and shredded zucchini or mushrooms.
- Form into a loaf on a baking sheet and bake.
Mini 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.
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 moist.
A ground chicken or ground turkey meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer to helps ensure it’s done without overcooking. You can get an inexpensive instant read thermometer for under $10.
How Long to Cook Turkey Meatloaf
The times below can vary slightly 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 of 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!
Why is this Meatloaf Recipe “Best?”
- It’s Leaner: 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 Moist: It’s also kept extra moist because it has shredded veggies added in.
- A Zesty Sauce: 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.
More Meatloaf Recipes
- The Best Meatloaf Recipe
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins
- Crockpot Meatloaf
- Homemade Patty Melt Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Delicious Turkey Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 cup zucchini or mushrooms, finely shredded
- salt & pepper to taste
Turkey Meatloaf Sauce
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. 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
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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I will be making the one pound meatloaf, as my husband does not like ground turkey. Does the meatloaf freeze well? If so, how would you wrap it, defrost it and for how long? I have never made turkey meatloaf and wonder if I would be better off making a loaf or the muffins. Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Hi Rose, it freezes very well! You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing after baking we like to freeze in individual slices for a quick and easy lunch or supper! To freeze I would wrap it in plastic wrap then place in an air tight freezer bag. When ready to cook, I would defrost in the fridge overnight and bake according to recipe directions.
Will this hold up if I make it 24 hrs before I actually bake it?
That should work just fine Pamela. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
wonderful, I cut it in half
make sure the turkey is thawed completely or the middle will be mushy after cooked. (yes , that was me)
it had great flavor!
What is the cooking time in a slow cooker?
For slow cooker cooking times check out our slow cooker meatloaf recipe!
What can I use in place of the chili sauce?
Hi Jessica, we do love the flavor chili sauce brings to this recipe but you can replace it with ketchup in a pinch.