Elevate your dinner routine with this mouthwatering turkey meatloaf! This dish is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
It’s made with lean ground turkey, savory mushrooms, and a tangy ketchup glaze.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for fantastic sandwiches the next day.
Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatloaf
Savory Flavor: This turkey meatloaf delivers a rich, umami-packed taste experience. The combination of lean turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and a tangy ketchup glaze is too good.
Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare this meatloaf in advance and enjoy convenient, delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground turkey and pantry staples, this recipe won’t break the bank.
Comfort Food: Experience the nostalgic warmth of classic meatloaf with a modern twist.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Turkey: The star of this healthy meatloaf. Use 93% lean for a protein-packed, low-fat meal.
- Butter: It adds rich flavor and helps cook the veggies to perfection.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatic duo forms the flavorful base of the meatloaf.
- Mushrooms: Chopped and hidden veggies add moisture and depth to every bite.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs lighten the texture and help bind the loaf together.
- Egg: The essential binder holds all the ingredients in perfect harmony.
- Ketchup: It caramelizes in the oven for an irresistible finish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Savory, umami-rich seasoning enhances the meaty flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The classic seasoning combo brings out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
You’ll love how easy this meatloaf is to make.
1. Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté the vegetables. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the mushrooms release their liquid. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the lean ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture, and gently mix until everything is combined.
4. Shape and bake. Press the turkey mixture into an 8×4-inch loaf pan, making sure it is even. Spread the remaining ½ cup of ketchup over the top.
5. Bake. Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Rest and serve. Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your lean and flavorful turkey meatloaf!
Tips for the Best Turkey Meatloaf
Here are some of my very best tips for a meatloaf everyone will devour.
- Don’t overmix! Combine the turkey mixture gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
- Keep things even. Press the turkey mixture evenly into the loaf pan to ensure consistent cooking and a uniform shape.
- Try a trusty baking sheet. Instead of a loaf pan, shape the meatloaf free-form on a baking sheet for a crustier exterior.
- Give it a rest. Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and make it easier to slice.
- Try tasty variations. Try variations like using BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. Add chopped spinach for extra nutrition, or use oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs for more fiber. You can also shape into mini meatloaf muffins for faster cooking.
How to Store
Keep leftover meatloaf fresh with these easy steps.
To Store: Refrigerate cooked turkey meatloaf in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. For unbaked meatloaf, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled, cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. For unbaked meatloaf, freeze in a loaf pan covered with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also the entire meatloaf in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Turkey Meatloaf
4
servings15
minutes55
minutes345
kcalThis classic turkey meatloaf is comfort food at its finest! This recipe bakes up moist, juicy, and full of savory flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small can (about 4 oz) sliced mushrooms, finely chopped and drained
1 ¼ lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
¾ cup ketchup (divided)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the mushrooms release their liquid. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the lean ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, ¼ cup of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture, and gently mix until everything is combined.
- Press the turkey mixture into an 8×4-inch loaf pan, making sure it is even. Spread the remaining ½ cup of ketchup over the top.
- Bake the meatloaf for 50-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your lean and flavorful turkey meatloaf!
