Turkey Meatloaf
This healthy turkey meatloaf recipe will leave you begging for seconds! It’s moist, packed with flavor, and lighter than traditional meatloaf! I just know your family will enjoy it.
I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a man. I mean, at least when it comes to food.
I like meatballs. I like meatloaf. You can keep the salad, just give me the meat.
Often, my husband and I go out to dinner and I order something ridiculously fattening and terrible for you and then he orders a salad.
In those moments, I really consider shoving all those stupid lettuce leaves down the man’s throat until he chokes. <— But, I don’t. Because that’s murder and murder is wrong.
I don’t want to end up on a Netflix documentary or something.
So, anyway. I figured it’s high time we lighten up the meatloaf and make it a little less guilt inducing.
This recipe for turkey meatloaf is perfectly moist, packed with flavor, and will absolutely be a hit with anyone who loves a good meatloaf recipe!
Now, I can’t promise it’s going to win over the non-meatloaf lovers, because those people seem to dislike meatloaf not because of the taste, but more because of the name and the looks and just the idea of it all.
I don’t understand it, but I know it’s a thing.
And, actually, yeah, now that I think about – a loaf of meat does sound kinda…ick.
If you watch the video below, you’ll see that I add a couple of slices of bread to the bottom of my pan and then form the meatloaf on top of them.
I get so many questions about this!
I do this so that the bread soaks up any liquid/fat that the meat releases. It works well for any meatloaf, whether it’s turkey meatloaf or beef meatloaf!
After cooking and slicing, I just pop the pieces of bread off of individual slices. Easy peasy and you’re not left with a meatloaf that’s been sitting in a pile of grease!
This turkey meatloaf is the perfect family dinner!
So, anyway, this ground turkey meatloaf recipe is nowhere near as decadent as my bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, but my family eats it just the same.
It’s especially good the next day as a cold meatloaf sandwich for breakfast. I’m not the only one who does that, right?
Extra mayo on my meatloaf sandwich please! And white bread only. I’m not here for your whole gran bread on a meatloaf sandwich. No.
I’ve even made meatloaf quesadillas with leftover meatloaf! You should totally try one – that dipping sauce is phenom.
Okay, friends, make this one and report back. I’m eager to hear if you like it as much as I do!
Oh, and if you’re eating low carb, be sure to check out my low carb meatloaf. It’s wrapped in bacon, because OF COURSE IT IS.
Serve this alongside my cauliflower gratin and roasted sweet potatoes (made with honey and cinnamon!) for a delicious meal.
My nutella brownie recipe makes a great dessert!
Give this turkey meatloaf recipe a try and let me know what you think!
Turkey Meatloaf
The bread on the bottom of this meatloaf is optional, but I find it's perfect for soaking up any extra liquid/fat from the turkey as it cooks. I discard the bread before serving, but you do you. ?
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 3/4 cup dry stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 slices bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine turkey, stuffing mix, milk, Parmesan, onion, pepper, egg, salt, garlic, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well with your hands.
- Place two slices of bread in the bottom of a baking sheet. Spoon mixture onto the bread and shape into a loaf.
- Bake for 30 minutes and remove from the oven for the sauce.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over the meatloaf and return to the oven for 30 minutes or until loaf is cooked through.
- Let sit 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Remove the bread from the bottom of each slice of meatloaf before serving.
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 240kcal Calories from fat 81 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat 3g | 15% |
| Transfat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium 404mg | 17% |
| Carbohydrate 19g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Sugars 10g | |
| Protein 21g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
I don’t make near enough meatloaf. This looks delicious!
I love meatloaf, too, and this looks very good!
My entire family LOVES meatloaf! Even the dog 🙂 Ingredient list states dry stuffing mix but directions state crackers. Not sure but I’ve never tried dry stuffing mix in meatloaf and that sounds fantastic.
Whoops! It should be stuffing mix. It makes things so moist – I think you’ll love it!
You talk about “powdered parmesan” do you just put it in food processor and make yourself??
I buy the green can of parmesan cheese, near the pasta in most US grocery stores, but you could certainly try doing that in the food processor!
Yes I wondered about that. I prefer to cook with real ingredients so will be trying finely grated Parmesan.
Karly
Why wont it let me print the recpies
Clear, informative, simple. Love your post!
This looks delicious! We love meatloaf but its one of those things I always forget about. Thanks for the inspiration and a new recipe to try!
Do you have a preference for type of mustard? Dijon, yellow, stoneground, etc? Thanks!
I use regular yellow mustard here. 🙂
What flavor of stuffing did you use? This looks amazing!
Can I cook it in a Pyrex glass dish? Just seems odd to cook it on a baking tray.
Sure!
Can you use the same amount of bread crumbs if you don’t have stove top stuffing?
Yep!
I know a standard meatloaf takes an hour, but ain’t nobody got time fo dat, so I baked it at 375° for 50 minutes. Still delightful.
It’s been forever since I’ve had a good meatloaf, and never a turkey version! Can’t wait to try this 😀
Hope you love it as much as we do!
This was delish!!
I made this last night for supper. We had some unexpected company so I got out buns to make sandwiches to stretch the meatloaf. I didn’t know what to expect since this bunch is beef eaters.
I had nothing but good reviews. It really is great. I am always happy to find a good recipe that is a healthier version of a family favorite. I made this exactly to the recipe directions and was very excited to have everything needed without having to buy anything special. Will definitely make this again.
Glad to hear you all enjoyed this!
Could I bake it for the first 30 mins and refrigerate t until I get home to do the final steps?
I’ve never attempted doing this so I’m not sure how well that would work.
This was Simply Amazing! My first time making me loaf and I nailed it ! Thank you so much for sharing!
Yay! Welcome to the world of meatloaf! 🙂
You are hilarious! Love reading your stuff.
Sounds like a good recipe!
Thanks, Stormy!
This looks SO good! Can I make it into two separate loaves? 4 servings each. I cook for another family as well as my own, would love to make two at a time. Thank you!
Sure! Just adjust the baking time as needed.
What flavor of stuffing did you use? Can’t wait to try this!
I use the chicken flavored stuffing.
This was SO good, my husband preferred it to regular meatloaf. Thanks for sharing !
Glad he approved! 🙂
I wish I could post a picture- AMAZING! Thanks for the recipe. I doubled the sauce so it’s moist for leftovers 🙂 First time making a meatloaf & will again!!
Yay! Glad it was a success! Great idea on doubling the sauce!
I made this dish today. It was one of the best meatloafs I have ever made. Used 1 pound each hamburger and turkey. Substituted brown mustard for regular mustard. Used Pyrex dish and added all ingriedents instead of putting ketchup sauce on top (got ahead of myself). Came very moist.
So happy to hear you enjoyed it!
This recipe is phenomenal! I make this almost once per week, and coworkers are always asking for the recipe!
So glad to hear that!
Just made this, and it was amazing!! I didn’t have any parmesan, so I added some colby/jack instead. Didn’t do the green pepper, because neither my husband or I likes cooked green pepper. But I have never thought to use stuffing mix as meatloaf binder, it’s brilliant! Gave the meatloaf great flavor, and it was very moist, especially for a turkey meatloaf! Thanks for the recipe, it’s a keeper.
Yes!! Stuffing mix is the best binder! 🙂 Glad you guys liked this one!
I make this recipe all the time, my family loves it!!! But I’ve recently started tracking my calories a little better and was wondering if you had the nutrition facts for this?!
I don’t, but there are lots of free online calculators you can use. 🙂
I love turkey meatloaf and will be giving this a try! I’m curious why the recipe says to put bread on the bottom and remove it before serving….Never heard of that before. Is that just to avoid greasing the baking dish?
Ground turkey and chicken always seem to release a lot of juice when I cook them, so I use the bread as a way to soak it up. It also works great on beef meatloaf as it soaks up the grease. I just discard the bread before serving.
Made this last night for my family everyone loved it so delicious…defiantly will make ie again.. One thing i fo recommend is using the bells stuffing mix we dont like stove top stuffing and we used the bells and it was awesome also i recommend using a little more the 3\4 i used 1 cup and probably could of used 1 1/2…thanks for the great recipe!!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bell’s mix before. I’ll keep an eye out. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I just finish eating this & it’s DELISH!
Glad you enjoyed!
Tried this tonight and the whole family loved it! Including my super finicky 17 year old. Thanks!
Do you think this would freeze well? Would it be better to slice before freezing or after? I’m only cooking for one and don’t think I can eat that much meatloaf!
I’ve never frozen meatloaf before, so I can’t say. I imagine it will freeze like any other meatloaf you’ve made though, if that helps.
Do you have any macros/calories per serving?
I mistakenly put the sauce on before I baked it? Will it be ruined?
It won’t be ruined. The turkey tends to release juice as it bakes, so the sauce might get runny. Maybe check it and add more if you think it needs it.
I tried this tonight and it was delicious. ?
Made this tonight and it was EXCELLENT! Reminded me of my mom’s meatloaf she always made. It was my first time making meatloaf and my fiancé couldn’t stop raving about how good it was!
Yay! So glad to hear that!
Just made this it was the best meatloaf I ever made. Thank you so much it is difficult to make something tasty and better for you than other meats,
Oh, yay! Glad to hear that!
Made this tonight and it was wonderful!
Excellent…didn’t have an egg (husband used the last one ?)..so I used applesauce..not sure how it will turn out ?????… but I’ve made this lots of times…it’s awesome
I only have 1lb of ground turkey. How do I adjust the remaining ingredients, please?
This is delicious! I’ve made it twice, and I never liked meatloaf before! Do you think it would hold up well in the freezer since it has stuffing? I want to make several at once!
I’ve never frozen meatloaf before, but I think it’s freeze just like any other recipe. 🙂
Turned out great.. Thanks!
Glad to hear that!
Made this tonight with ground chicken and it is delicious!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This looks fantastic! I do have one question though. What does the bread do? I am curious. I have never seen this before.
It soaks up any liquid/grease that the meat gives off. You can pull it off at the end and discard. 🙂
I found and made this recipe yesterday. It is DELICIOUS! I tweaked it just a tad by making double the amount of ketchup, sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire mixture, and adding about 1/4 of that to the loaf mix. I also added some finely shredded kale to the mix! It added some extra veggies and turned out delicious. Super moist and flavorful!!
WOW Karla. Thank you for sharing this. In all honesty I have a chest cold so I didn’t intend to head out to market for stuffing so I used a utter and herb Sidekick by Knorr. I increased the milk to cook the noodles but man oh man it was yummy. Next time I will use the proper items and I can’t wait for those results
Glad this was a hit! Hope you’re feeling better!
I only have 1 lb. of ground turkey how would I convert the other ingredients?
First time cooking this turkey meatloaf recipe. Follow instructions but it was dry. Could it have been the ground turkey? Should I mix with chicken or beef next time?
Hi Sandra!
Sorry this was too dry for you. You could definitely try mixing it with half beef and half turkey next time, if you like.
Karly,
This recipe was outstanding! I didn’t use bread underneath the loaf, and substituted panko bread crumbs. I also used an organic honey mustard with the sauce, oh and I added minced garlic to the loaf. My wife and I thought this might be the best turkey meatloaf ever! Thank you for this amazing, and easy dinner.
Glad it was a hit! 🙂
Hi there! Cant wait to try this recipe! Do you know if I can prep the day before and bake the next day?
I haven’t tried it, but I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work.
Absolutely loved it!! Had it twice in one week because my family loved it so much.
That’s great to hear!
OMG! It was soooo good!!! Thank you! I didn’t use the cheese but everything else came out perfect! Thank you