Trust me—this recipe will turn even the biggest meatloaf haters into meatloaf lovers! The trick to really good ground turkey meatloaf is packing it full of ingredients that help give it flavor and keep the meatloaf moist, like shredded carrots, onion and chopped fresh spinach. It’s also all about the homemade glaze, which takes just 5 minutes to whip up.
Packed with nutritious ingredients like shredded carrots and fresh spinach, this recipe for turkey meatloaf is not only delicious, but it is also packed with vegetables! And the best part? It stays incredibly moist and juicy thanks to the addition of ground turkey and a three-ingredient simple glaze.
You might be thinking, “but isn’t turkey meatloaf dry and tasteless?” Not at all! This recipe is the perfect example of how turkey meatloaf can be just as tasty and moist as its beef counterpart. With the right combination of ingredients and a homemade glaze that’s sweet and tangy, you won’t even miss the beef.
Plus, it’s a healthier option made with less fat and high protein that will make you feel good about what you’re putting in your body. Out of all of my recipes with ground turkey, this one is a favorite!
If you’re anti meatloaf, this recipe will change your mind. And if you’re still not convinced, then try my Turkey Meatballs. You won’t be sorry. I’ve got tons of quick and easy dinner ideas and this one is no different.
This recipe features simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making it a great midweek meal for busy families. And it pairs incredibly well with a heaping side of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus!
Watch how easy it is to make
Why you’ll love this recipe
- This turkey meatloaf is incredibly moist and packed with flavor thanks to the addition of shredded onion, fresh spinach, and a homemade glaze.
- It’s a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture, making it the perfect addition to your dinner rotation.
- The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep work, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Leftovers are just as delicious as the day you made them, making it a great option for meal prep!
Ingredients you’ll need
- Ground Turkey – A lean and flavorful ground protein that’s perfect for a healthier meatloaf option.
- Breadcrumbs (or almond flour) – Helps bind the meatloaf together to create a texture that can be sliced.
- Vegetables – A mix of shredded onion, garlic, shredded carrots, and fresh spinach work together to create texture and adds moisture and flavor throughout the meatloaf.
- Shredded Mozzarella – Gives the meatloaf a touch of creamy cheese flavor.
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang to the meatloaf and the glaze.
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of garden fresh flavor and green color.
- Eggs – Helps bind the meatloaf together, so it sets properly while baking.
- Worcestershire Sauce – adds a salty and savory umami flavor to the meatloaf and the glaze.
- Salt and Pepper – Balances and enhances all of the flavors in the meatloaf
TURKEY MEATLOAF GLAZE
- Ketchup -Adds an acidic tomato flavor along with natural sweetness. It also gives the red color on top of the meatloaf.
- Brown Sugar – Helps thicken the glaze while adding sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Gives the glaze a salty umami flavor that balances the sweetness.
The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt
Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.
How to make moist ground turkey meatloaf?
The trick to really good meatloaf if packing it full of flavor, with ingredients that help keep it moist. I shred the onion to create lots of juice and tons of flavor. Also adding a bit of cheese really helps.
Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Assemble the meatloaf: To a large bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, shredded onion, garlic, shredded carrots, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, ketchup, chopped parsley, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Using your hands or a fork, mix all of the ingredients together until well combined.
Form the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to form an even loaf shape, so it cooks evenly.
Bake the meatloaf: Add to the oven and bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl. After 30 minutes of baking, brush the top with the glaze, then continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through.
Cool, slice, and serve: Let the meatloaf cool on the sheet pan for 10 minutes before cutting it into thick slices. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground turkey to avoid excess fat in the meatloaf. Look for ground turkey labeled “93% lean” or “95% lean” for the best results, as excess fat can lead to a greasy and dense meatloaf.
- Shred the onion and carrots finely to avoid any large chunks in the meatloaf. Use a grater or food processor if needed.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture – this can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just until they are evenly combined.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and avoid a dry meatloaf. For best results, cover the meatloaf with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use a different type of cheese, like cheddar or feta, for a different taste.
- Swap out the ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor. Use your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the ketchup in the meatloaf and glaze.
- Top the meatloaf with bacon for a crispy and savory touch. Lay bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
- Add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different herbs and spices for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme, oregano, or cumin.
- Use a different type of glaze, like honey mustard or teriyaki.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat turkey meatloaf is in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual slices of turkey meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate for 1 minute per side.
FAQ
How can I make this recipe gluten free?
To make this turkey meatloaf gluten free, use gluten free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or rolled oats in the place of regular breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the rest of your ingredients carefully.
What other vegetables can I add to the meatloaf?
Other vegetables that you could add to the meatloaf include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and celery. Finely shred them before adding them to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the turkey meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. You can also assemble the meatloaf on the baking sheet and wrap it in plastic wrap, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I make mini meatloaves instead of one large one?
Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into mini meatloaves. Divide the turkey mixture into 4-5 portions, shape each portion into a mini loaf, and bake for 25-30 minutes. You should reduce the baking time if your mini loaves are on the smaller side.
More easy ground turkey recipes
Turkey Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Moist Ground Turkey Meatloaf with the Best Glaze
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven baked
Description
Trust me—this recipe will turn even the biggest meatloaf haters into meatloaf lovers! The trick to really good ground turkey meatloaf is packing it full of ingredients that help give it flavor and keep the meatloaf moist, like shredded carrots, onion and chopped fresh spinach. It’s also all about the homemade glaze, which takes just 5 minutes to whip up.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
- 1 cup shredded onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup shredded carrots, about 1 large carrot
- ½ cup chopped fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add all the ingredients into a large bowl (minus the ingredients for the glaze). Using a fork or clean hands, mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and pour meat onto pan. Use your hands to form into a loaf shape, trying to keep it level so it cooks evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove and brush glaze all over. Place back in the oven for another 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to garnish.
For the glaze
- Mix together the ingredients in a small bowl.
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Comments
ssktx
I’m short on breadcrumbs–has anyone made this with a panade instead (i.e. soaking white bread in milk)?! I do that for my meatballs and they turn out incredibly. Just don’t want this to get too “wet” and fall apart since I don’t really have a meatloaf pan to keep it all together..
Laney Schwartz
Curious if you tried it? The mixture is already pretty wet so I wonder if it worked
Irene Lappas
I am planning on making this today. Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh? If yes, do you have any suggestions for amount? Can I add it frozen or should I let it thaw?
Sally
I have made this numerous times, most of the time using 2 lbs ground turkey and just adding a little extra of everything listed in the recipe! It’s such a huge hit in my family. Husband never liked/ate meatloaf until he tried this, he LOVES it! My daughter substitutes ground chicken and also delicious. Per usual, Laney has delivered once again another fantastic recipe!
★★★★★
Laney Schwartz
I love when people who don’t like meatloaf love this recipe!
M
I never leave comments even though I heavily rely on them to vet recipes. However, last night I told my husband we were getting a food divorce as I am committed to my health journey and his lack of flexibility was preventing my progress. I made this for dinner thinking I would have several meals worth of leftovers, but he tried some and went back for more! He had planned on ordering in but declared this delicious. I did make the following changes based on what I had at home, which just goes to show that this is highly adaptable and still successful at the core! Subbed ground oatmeal for panko to make gluten free. No carrots on hand, so finely diced three small snacking sweet peppers. Used a cup of super greens mix instead of just spinach. Everything else was followed as instructed.
Laney Schwartz
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and so happy it worked out for you both!