Ground Turkey Meatloaf
This Turkey Meatloaf is packed with veggies and is topped with a sweet glaze. Serve it with mashed potatoes or a side salad for a complete dinner.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a great dinner and this ground turkey meatloaf is a great way to add some ground turkey into your diet.
It's super easy to make, taking about 15 minutes to prep. Plus, it pairs so well with so many different vegetable side dishes.
This is one dinner you'll want to add into your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Ground turkey: Found in the freezer section.
Breadcrumbs: You can use either regular breadcrumbs or Panko.
Grated Parmesan cheese: If possible, use freshly grated Parmesan, but pre-shredded works if needed.
Chopped onion: Either white or yellow onion is great for this.
Chopped bell pepper: Use any color of bell pepper you like.
Minced garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add a little more!
Ketchup or tomato sauce: You can use your favorite brand.
Worcestershire sauce: A little goes a long way, so don’t skip it!
Dijon mustard: It pairs well with the other flavors and adds a nice kick.
Large egg: Make sure it’s lightly beaten before mixing it in.
Seasonings: Dried parsley flakes: We used dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Glaze: We used ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cinder vinegar to create the glaze.
How to Make
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, ketchup (or tomato sauce), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until well combined, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf, making sure that it fits well in the pan.
In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the ketchup (or tomato sauce), brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Pour the glaze over the top of the turkey meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is nicely browned.
After cooking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Leftovers
Once the turkey meatloaf has cooled to room temperature, either cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, stick slices in a 350F preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or heated through.
You can also reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. If needed, add in a splash of water when reheating in the skillet.
Tips & Tricks
Here's a few tips for making the meatloaf:
- Add extra vegetables: Sneak in finely grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and moisture without changing the flavor much.
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
- Use a stand mixer: You can use a stand mixer on the lowest setting to mix the meatloaf. It does change the texture a bit, but it hasn't ever changed it enough for anyone in my family to notice.
What to serve with Ground Turkey Meatloaf
There are so many delicious sides to pair with this meat. Here are some of our favorites:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side with meatloaf.
- Steamed vegetables: Freshly steamed broccoli, carrots, peas, or green beans are all delicious with meatloaf.
- Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are another delicious side that goes well with this.
F.A.Q.
Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Each option will slightly change the texture, but they will still work well.
What can I do if my meatloaf falls apart?
If your meatloaf crumbles, it may need more binding agents like eggs or breadcrumbs. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly, and allow it to rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey preferably a mixture of dark and white meat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper any color you prefer
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, ketchup (or tomato sauce), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.1 ½ pounds ground turkey, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 large egg, 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, Salt and black pepper
- Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it into a loaf, making sure it's evenly distributed in the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the glaze: ketchup (or tomato sauce), brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pour the glaze over the top of the turkey meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is nicely browned.
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.