Dinner

Juicy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Introduction

This juicy turkey meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Packed with herbs and a sweet-savory glaze, it stays moist and tender with every slice.

A thick slice of meatloaf with a glossy reddish-brown sauce on top and around it sits on a white plate, garnished with chopped green herbs. The meatloaf shows a dense, slightly crumbly texture with bits of onion inside. Next to it is a serving of light yellow mashed potatoes with a soft, creamy look. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially touching the mashed potatoes. Green peas in a small bowl sit in the front left corner on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background of green foliage and a black pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, then gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 4: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it onto the prepared pan.
Step 5: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, you can add a grated carrot or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or a mix of turkey and pork for deeper flavor.
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to keep the recipe gluten-free.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the ketchup slightly or add a teaspoon of mustard for tang.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A loaf-shaped meatloaf with a shiny, rich reddish-brown glaze covers the top and sides, sprinkled with small green herb bits. It is placed on a white plate with two layers: the meatloaf itself with a coarse, textured inside showing bits of other ingredients and a thick shiny sauce underneath. Next to the meatloaf is a serving of light beige mashed potatoes with a smooth texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs and peas nearby. A fork lies beside the mashed potatoes on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent drying out.