Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 39 reviews

If you are craving a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, look no further than this Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe. This delightful spin on a classic favorite uses lean ground turkey, ensuring a juicy, tender bite every time, with a perfect blend of herbs and spices that elevate its flavor. Whether you are cooking for your family or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and fill plates with hearty goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground turkey in a rustic bowl with a rich pink color and soft texture, a small heap of golden panko breadcrumbs in a white ceramic dish, a clear glass measuring cup filled with creamy white milk, two large brown eggs with smooth shells, fresh vibrant green parsley sprigs neatly arranged, a small glass bowl of dark brown Worcestershire sauce glistening, a glossy red dollop of ketchup on a white spoon, piles of fine white salt and coarse black pepper side by side, small white ceramic spoons holding pale beige garlic powder and light brown onion powder, a shallow dish with deep reddish smoked paprika powder, a jar of bright red ketchup with a shiny surface, a small mound of rich dark brown packed brown sugar showing grainy texture, all meticulously arranged on a clean matte white surface with soft natural light casting gentle shadows, scattered fresh parsley leaves and a few whole spices for visual interest, minimalistic and modern food styling emphasizing texture and color contrasts, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a well-balanced dish. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring perfect texture, moistness, and a rich, savory flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

  • 2 lb ground turkey: Choose a quality brand like Butterball for a tender, juicy base that is naturally lean and flavorful.
  • 3/4 cup panko: Light and crispy, Kikkoman panko adds a delicate binder that keeps the meatloaf perfectly moist without heaviness.
  • 1/3 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps to soften the panko, blending everything smoothly together.
  • 2 eggs: Room temperature eggs act as a natural binder to hold the meatloaf firmly together.
  • 3 tbsp parsley: Fresh parsley lifts the flavor with a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness.
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth, umami, and a subtle tang to the meat mixture.
  • 2 tbsp ketchup: Incorporates a touch of sweetness and acidity directly into the meat.
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the turkey perfectly.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite to the profile.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings savory aroma and a subtle punch throughout.
  • 1 tsp onion powder: Complements garlic with a mild, sweet onion flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that makes this meatloaf memorable.
  • 1/2 cup ketchup: For the glaze on top, Heinz ketchup offers that ideal balance of tangy and sweet goodness.
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar: Packed firmly, it caramelizes on the glaze to give a rich molasses sweetness and gorgeous color.

How to Make Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko, and milk. The panko soaked in milk will keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Next, add the eggs for binding, followed by fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and the initial ketchup. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to gently but thoroughly blend all the ingredients until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf

On a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, shape the mixture into a nice, compact loaf. The size should be about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide to ensure even cooking. Press gently so the surface is smooth but avoid compacting it too tightly; this allows steam to escape and keeps the texture light.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup ketchup with the firmly packed brown sugar. This glaze will create a sweet and tangy crust that beautifully balances the savory meatloaf. Brush the glaze evenly all over the top of your meatloaf right before it goes into the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 45 minutes. About halfway through, brush on a little extra glaze to keep the top sticky and flavorful. When done, the internal temperature should reach 165°F and the top will be perfectly caramelized with a delicious sheen.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let your Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making every slice moist and tender, and easier to cut without crumbling.

How to Serve Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a small handful of microgreens instantly brightens the look and adds a pop of fresh flavor. For a cozy touch, dollop a bit of creamy mashed potatoes or a light drizzle of pan gravy just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted root vegetables. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly, giving you that ultimate comforting yet fresh meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn leftovers into meatloaf sandwiches with crunchy lettuce and your favorite spread on toasted ciabatta. You could also slice and serve it with a warm tomato-based salsa or chopped radish salad for a vibrant contrast. These ideas elevate your meatloaf beyond the traditional, making it just as exciting the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sliced or whole meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well sealed maintains moisture and flavor so that every bite tastes just as good as when freshly made.

Freezing

This Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and juiciness.

Reheating

Reheat your meatloaf slices gently in the microwave or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F wrapped in foil. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating keeps the meat moist and delicious, bringing back that freshly-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fine substitute, especially if you want an even leaner option, but keep in mind it may be slightly less flavorful. Adjust seasonings to taste and monitor moisture levels to prevent dryness.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If panko is not on hand, regular breadcrumbs or crushed plain crackers can be a good alternative. Panko adds crispness and lightness, so the texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption. The meatloaf should also feel firm to the touch and have a nicely caramelized top.

Can I make this meatloaf spicy?

Yes! Adding some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture will give your meatloaf a spicy kick. Start small, as you can always add more to suit your heat preference.

How do I make the glaze less sweet?

Try reducing the brown sugar amount or substitute apple cider vinegar or mustard for some tangy acidity. Balancing the glaze allows you to customize sweetness to your taste without losing that lovely glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about crafting a homemade meatloaf that tastes as good as this Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe. It’s approachable, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, making it not just a meal, but a memory waiting to happen. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and enjoy every comforting slice with family or friends – this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!

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Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Tasty Ground Turkey Meatloaf is a flavorful and moist comfort dish made with lean ground turkey, seasoned with a blend of spices, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh parsley. The mixture is bound together with panko breadcrumbs and eggs, ensuring a tender texture. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze, it’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

  • 2 lb ground turkey (preferably Butterball for a tender texture)
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (Kikkoman recommended for light, crisp binding)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 eggs (room temperature, about 70°F)
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup (Heinz preferred for sweetness and tang)
  • 3 tbsp packed brown sugar (for rich molasses flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Prepare meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
  3. Shape meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a baking pan or loaf pan and gently shape it into a loaf form, approximately 9×5 inches.
  4. Make glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup ketchup and 3 tablespoons brown sugar until smooth and combined.
  5. Apply glaze: Spread the ketchup and brown sugar glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf to create a flavorful crust during baking.
  6. Bake meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
  7. Rest before slicing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.
  8. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve warm with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Using room temperature eggs helps the mixture bind better and results in a moister meatloaf.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent a dense texture.
  • Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs gives the meatloaf a lighter texture.
  • You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and moisture.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.

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