Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Best Turkey Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground turkey; 0.75 cup crushed buttery round crackers; 0.5 cup milk; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.5 cup ketchup; 0.25 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

1 pounds ground turkey
cup crushed buttery round crackers
cup milk
1 small onion, chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoons salt
teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze:

cup ketchup
cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, crushed crackers, milk, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: For the glaze, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl. Set aside.

Step 6: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and drain off any excess liquids.

Step 7: Top the meatloaf with the prepared ketchup glaze.

Step 8: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking until the center is no longer pink, approximately 30 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 160F (71C) when inserted into the center.

Step 9: Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy!

Cook's Note

It's essential to use a rimmed baking sheet so the liquids can be drained off. Do not add the glaze before the meatloaf has baked for at least 30 minutes; ground turkey releases a lot of juice, and adding the glaze too early can result in a watery topping.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

Calories: 296
Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 3g (16% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 85mg (28% Daily Value)
Sodium: 881mg (38% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 25g (9% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 20g (39% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 4mg (4% Daily Value)
Calcium: 65mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
Potassium: 297mg (6% Daily Value)

Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Description: This moist turkey meatloaf recipe is made with lean ground turkey, onion, garlic, buttery cracker crumbs, and a tasty ketchup and brown sugar glaze.

History of Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf, a variation of the classic American meatloaf, is believed to have emerged as people sought leaner alternatives to the traditional beef or pork meatloaf. Ground turkey became a popular option due to its lower fat content while still providing a hearty and flavorful base for this comfort food. While meatloaf itself dates back to the early 19th century in the United States, using turkey instead of beef became especially popular in the late 20th century as part of a movement toward healthier eating. The introduction of turkey meatloaf provided a way to enjoy a beloved dish without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Regional Variations

Although the basic concept of meatloaf remains consistent across the United States, regional variations of turkey meatloaf often include different seasonings, binders, and glazes. In the South, for example, turkey meatloaf might be paired with a spicy barbecue sauce, while in the Midwest, it is more common to see it topped with a simple ketchup glaze. Some regions may even add local ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or a mixture of herbs to personalize the dish. The use of crackers, breadcrumbs, or oatmeal as the binding agent also varies, with some families swearing by one over the other for texture and flavor.

Distinguishing Features

What makes turkey meatloaf distinct from traditional beef or pork meatloaf is its use of ground turkey as the primary protein. Turkey is leaner, lower in fat, and offers a lighter taste compared to beef. As a result, turkey meatloaf tends to be slightly drier than its beef counterpart, which is why the recipe often includes moist ingredients like milk or eggs to balance the texture. The glaze, typically made of ketchup and brown sugar, adds moisture and sweetness, making the dish more succulent. Additionally, turkey meatloaf is often considered a healthier alternative for those who are watching their cholesterol or fat intake.

Where Turkey Meatloaf is Served

Turkey meatloaf is a popular comfort food, often served in American homes as part of a family dinner. It can be found on the menu at many casual restaurants, particularly those that focus on home-style or comfort foods. It's also a favorite for meal prepping, as the meatloaf can be cooked in large batches and easily stored for leftovers. In some regions, turkey meatloaf is a staple for holiday gatherings or potlucks, offering a lighter, but still hearty, option alongside more indulgent dishes. Its typically paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a balanced meal.

Interesting Facts

Turkey meatloaf is often recommended as a heart-healthy alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, as turkey is lower in saturated fat.
One of the key secrets to making turkey meatloaf moist is the inclusion of a binder, such as milk or egg, which helps hold the meat together and retain moisture during baking.
While turkey meatloaf is known for being lean, using a mixture of turkey thigh and breast meat can provide a balance of tenderness and flavor.
Some chefs recommend adding vegetables like carrots, spinach, or mushrooms to turkey meatloaf to increase its nutritional value while keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
The turkey meatloaf recipe has gained popularity due to its versatility and can be modified to suit different dietary needs, from gluten-free to low-carb versions.

Conclusion

Turkey meatloaf has come a long way from its humble origins as a healthy alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. With its lean protein and versatility in the kitchen, it remains a favorite for those looking for a nutritious and flavorful comfort food. Whether served with a classic ketchup glaze or a regional twist, turkey meatloaf is sure to satisfy any craving for a delicious and hearty meal.

FAQ about Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover turkey meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before cooking. Simply assemble the meatloaf as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the instructions.

Yes, you can make the meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare the meatloaf as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also bake it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

If your turkey meatloaf is too dry, it could be because you're using lean turkey breast instead of regular ground turkey, which contains more fat. You can try using ground turkey with a higher fat content, or add more moisture by increasing the amount of milk or incorporating other ingredients like sautéed vegetables or even a bit of olive oil.

Yes, you can substitute the buttery round crackers with other types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or homemade breadcrumbs. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and a little sugar. Alternatively, you could use BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

If the meatloaf mixture is too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs to help absorb the moisture. If you don’t have enough breadcrumbs, you can also use crushed crackers or a small amount of rolled oats. Just be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly so the moisture is evenly distributed.

To prevent the glaze from becoming watery, be sure to bake the meatloaf for at least 30 minutes before adding the glaze. This allows the excess juices from the turkey to cook off. Adding the glaze before the meatloaf has cooked will cause it to become diluted by the liquids released during baking.

Yes, you can add vegetables to the meatloaf! Common choices are finely chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just sauté the vegetables before adding them to the meat mixture to remove excess moisture and ensure they blend well into the loaf.

The turkey meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check this using an instant-read thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can cut into the center to ensure there’s no pink remaining, but the thermometer method is the most accurate.

Comments

Rachel Nelson

11/26/2022 09:33:19 PM

I made a few modifications, but otherwise followed the recipe closely. I sautéed my onion until slightly golden without seasoning, then added garlic in the center of the pan, cooking it until golden as well. I combined the garlic and onion evenly before draining off the excess oil on a paper towel. Following the meatloaf instructions, I incorporated my sautéed onion and garlic. For the sauce, I used half of the recommended amount of brown sugar, reducing it to 1/8 cup, along with 1.5 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of hot sauce. My family absolutely loved the dish.

Laura Cruz

09/05/2024 07:57:49 PM

Tasted great! The consistency was very runny before cooking, so I had to use a meatloaf pan instead of a baking sheet. I also added two pounds of ground turkey to help thicken it up. Cooking it in the meatloaf pan worked well, as the juices all soaked back into the meat.

Sharon Nguyen

04/19/2025 03:06:14 PM

I recently discovered a fantastic way to cook and enjoy ground turkey! I started by using saltine crackers (since that's what I had on hand). I seasoned the ground turkey according to the recipe, but also added my own twist with a packet of onion soup mix, all-purpose seasoning, and garlic salt with parsley. I didn't measure exactly, just eyeballed it. I was hesitant about adding milk, but I trusted the baking process and went for it, believing it would help keep the meat moist while cooking. I followed the glaze instructions as well. This recipe was simple to make and absolutely delicious! Thank you!

Steven White

04/05/2023 11:45:40 AM

I have tried this recipe twice now and it's really delicious! I recommend using regular ground turkey instead of ground turkey breast as the breast meat tends to be too dry. I substituted onion powder for fresh onion because I prefer the smoother texture in meatloaf. For the glaze, I stuck to my usual recipe of 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder. The result was absolutely delicious!

Jack Evans

12/27/2024 08:39:30 AM

This meatloaf I made was truly outstanding! It was absolutely delicious!

Alexander Adams

07/06/2024 03:48:24 PM

I prepared this dish last night for guests. It was absolutely fantastic! Simple to make and incredibly delicious.

Samantha Parker

08/17/2024 10:07:58 PM

My ultimate choice for meatloaf every time

Patrick Taylor

12/04/2024 02:43:47 AM

I modified the glaze by incorporating a touch of mustard and parsley flakes.

Adam Lee

06/21/2024 02:31:28 AM

I substituted bread crumbs for crackers in this recipe. Apart from that, I kept everything else the same, and it turned out delicious!

audio version

Cook Time: 20 minutes