Easy Turkey Meatloaf

Your Weeknight Hero

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 55 mins

Total: 65 mins

Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Yield: 1 large meatloaf

Homemade meatloaf is classic comfort food, and this version with turkey is no exception. Ground turkey's mild, pleasant flavor makes it a terrific blank canvas for different textures and flavorings. To make this meatloaf, all you need is ground turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, a few pantry staples, and seasonings you likely have on hand.

Various herbs and spices are more evident in a turkey meatloaf, while in a beef meatloaf, the seasonings may be somewhat overwhelmed by the more robust flavor of the beef. Feel free to play with the seasonings in this loaf as well to suit your tastes.

Why Does My Turkey Meatloaf Fall Apart?

You may find your meatloaf is crumbly or falling apart if you used too many breadcrumbs or not enough eggs. The eggs help bind a meatloaf while breadcrumbs improve the texture and make it more tender.

Overcooking can also cause a dry, crumbly meatloaf. Further, be careful not to over-mix your ground turkey as you make the meatloaf as this can lead to a tough finished meatloaf. Mix ingredients until just combined.

Turkey Meatloaf Make Ahead Tip

To make the meatloaf a day in advance, prepare the meat mixture as instructed, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Shape and then bake as directed in the preheated oven, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the total baking time.

What To Serve With Turkey Meatloaf

To round out your meal, these are some cozy and classic sides that pair well with turkey meat loaf:

Mashed Potatoes
Microwaved Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Garlic Green Beans
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Roasted Cauliflower
Cheesy Garlic Bread

«A delicious alternative to the traditional pork or beef meatloaf. Try not to overwork the mixture with your hands, to ensure the meatloaf stays as juicy as possible. You could also use a mix of both ground turkey thigh and breast meat for extra flavor.» —Julia Hartbeck

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs
2/3 cup ketchup, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground turkey

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Set aside.
Combine the eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix to blend thoroughly.
Pat any excess moisture from the ground turkey with paper towels. Add it to the bowl. Gently knead the mixture together until just combined.
Transfer the turkey meatloaf to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into an oval loaf, about 5 by 8 inches.
Spread the remaining 9 tablespoons ketchup over the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 F, 50 to 60 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a platter and slicing.

How to Store

Refrigerate leftover turkey meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours and consume within 4 days.
To freeze whole or sliced meatloaf, wrap tightly in foil and then place in a resealable freezer bag. Defrost frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. You can also freeze raw meatloaf.
The oven is the best way to reheat leftover turkey meatloaf. Place the meatloaf or slices in a shallow baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth or water and cover tightly with foil. Heat in a preheated 300 F oven for 20 minutes, or until warmed throughout. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165 F for leftovers.
If you have leftovers, use them to make meatloaf sandwiches or crumble and add it to other dishes, such as hash, quiche, pizza, or potato or pasta casseroles.

No Glaze Meatloaf

This meatloaf is glazed, which helps to keep it moist. If you are not glazing the meatloaf, cover it with foil for the first 35 to 40 minutes of baking. Remove the foil 15 to 20 minutes before it’s done to allow the meatloaf to brown.

Turkey Meatloaf Seasoning Ideas

Italian Herbs—Try 1 teaspoon of an Italian herb blend along with about 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese blended into the meat.
Spice It Up—Add a teaspoon or up to 1 tablespoon of Tex-Mex, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay for a spicier meatloaf.
Umami Boost—A teaspoon of poultry seasoning is another great choice that goes particularly well with turkey.
French Onion—Try 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried onion soup mix for a French Onion style meatloaf.
Sauteed Onions—Add texture and boost the onion flavor with about 1/2 cup of sautéed finely chopped onions or caramelized onions.
Chili Sauce—Instead of ketchup, use chili sauce—a tomato-based sauce you can find next to the ketchup in the grocery store.
Sriracha—Replace the ketchup in the meatloaf mixture with sriracha or chili-garlic sauce.
Breadcrumb Substitutes—Instead of breadcrumbs in your meatloaf, you can use crushed crackers, pretzels, corn flakes, potato chips, rolled or quick oats, or cooked rice. If using salted crackers, pretzels, or potato chips, reduce the salt to 3/4 teaspoon.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories	306
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g	21%
Saturated Fat 4g	22%
Cholesterol 137mg	46%
Sodium 645mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate 15g	5%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 1mg	7%
Calcium 81mg	6%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 372mg	8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.