This turkey meatloaf recipe is super moist and covered in a sweet brown sugar and ketchup glaze. Low-calorie and super easy to throw together on hectic weeknights!

Meatloaf is one of those dishes that wraps around you like a warm blanket. It’s so comforting and it always hits the spot! In this recipe for turkey meatloaf, you’ll learn how to make a lighter loaf that’s low in calories and high in protein, without skimping out on any of that signature flavor you get in ground beef varieties.

If you paused at the word “turkey”, don’t fret about this loaf turning out dry. In this recipe, we use a combination of milk, breadcrumbs, and a little mayo to prevent the delicate ground turkey from turning out too dense or drying out. Hello, juicy goodness…

Making this turkey meatloaf only requires a little bit of stirring and shaping before the oven works it’s magic.

Hot Tip: Unsure if your meatloaf is fully-cooked? Stick a meat thermometer into the center to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Whether you’re new to making meatloaf or just looking for some tips to get the best loaf possible, find some of our top pointers here.

Don’t over mix the ingredients. Whatever you do, don’t over mix the ingredients. This is the top reason why meatloaf comes out too tough and dense. Once the ingredients are just well-combined, you’re good to go!

Add in your favorite fresh herbs. We love using Italian parsley, but feel free to add in whatever herbs you love best. Dill, basil, oregano, and chives all work great.

Add a little BBQ sauce to the glaze. Love a smokey meatloaf? Add a little BBQ sauce to the glaze to taste.

Make the loaf spicy. Add a kick of heat to the meatloaf by popping in a couple of shakes of roasted red pepper flakes.

For an all-American dinner, pair the turkey meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, boiled corn on the cob, and sourdough bread. If you’re watching your carbohydrates, pair the loaf with your favorite grilled veggies, salad, garlic green beans, or a cheesy zucchini and squash casserole. Don’t forget to use your leftovers to make classic meatloaf sandwiches!

Can you make turkey meatloaf without panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can make turkey meatloaf without panko breadcrumbs. That said, you’ll need to substitute the panko breadcrumbs for oatmeal, traditional breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers because you need some kind of binder to help hold the loaf together.

Can turkey meatloaf be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the turkey meatloaf a day in advance to cut down on day-of labor. Just make sure to keep the raw loaf covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze uncooked turkey meatloaf?

It’s best to freeze cooked turkey meatloaf versus frozen turkey meatloaf. Freezing the raw ground meat doesn’t yield the same juicy texture once you bake it from frozen.

Should you cover a turkey meatloaf when it’s baking?

There’s no need to cover a turkey meatloaf while it’s baking. If you bake it on the middle rack at 375°F you won’t risk burning the top or drying out the meat.

Recipe

The Only Turkey Meatloaf (You Need)

Print Pin

Servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This turkey meatloaf recipe is super moist and covered in a sweet ketchup-y brown sugar glaze. It's super easy to throw together and is a family favorite!

Ingredients

Sauce

–

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

The Only Turkey Meatloaf (You Need)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 287 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Trans Fat 0.03g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 113mg38%

Sodium 1231mg51%

Potassium 690mg20%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 38g76%

Vitamin A 456IU9%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 50mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.