Name: Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 1/4 cups finely chopped yellow onion (1 medium); 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves); 3/4 cup bread crumbs homemade or store-bought; 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup (1.4 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp ketchup, divided; 1 Tbsp dijon mustard; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 lbs. 93% lean ground turkey

There’s something so comforting about a perfectly cooked meatloaf that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe brings together juicy turkey with flavorful herbs and cheese for a dish that’s lighter but just as satisfying as the classic version.

A loaf shaped meat dish with a shiny red sauce evenly spread over the top and sides, garnished with small green herb pieces. The dish rests on a white plate, with two thick slices cut from the front showing a dense, light brown interior mixed with green flecks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a knife with a black handle placed next to it and some loose herbs sprinkled around. Green parsley leaves are visible blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This turkey meatloaf stands out because it’s hearty and flavorful without feeling heavy. I’ve made countless meatloaf recipes over the years, and this one strikes the perfect balance of moistness and seasoning.

Healthy yet hearty: Using lean turkey ensures you get a protein-packed meal with less fat but all the comfort.
Perfect texture: Including bread crumbs soaked in chicken broth and sautéed onions adds moisture and depth without sogginess.
Flavor-packed: Parmesan, Worcestershire, garlic, and herbs give this meatloaf a rich and layered taste you’ll crave again and again.
Simple to make: Minimal prep steps and basic pantry ingredients make it easy for any home cook to master.

The image shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface. On the plate is a sliced meatloaf with bright red tomato glaze on top and scattered green parsley pieces both on the glaze and the slices. The meatloaf has a textured light brown inside with bits of herbs visible. There are eight slices arranged on the plate in two slightly overlapping rows, with one larger piece of meatloaf at the bottom right corner. A knife with a black handle rests on the left side of the plate, cutting into the meatloaf. Green parsley leaves are placed at the top right side near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this turkey meatloaf plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. Let’s break down why each one matters so you can get confident shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of a small bunch of fresh bright green parsley sprigs, a small pile of finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a medium yellow onion finely chopped in a small white ceramic bowl, three peeled garlic cloves minced in a white bowl, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with reddish ketchup, a small white bowl holding smooth dijon mustard, a small white bowl with light brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl containing light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with pale beige bread crumbs, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl with mixed salt and freshly ground black pepper, and a mound of raw pinkish lean ground turkey, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic backdrop placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and brushing the loaf, it adds subtle richness without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until golden, it brings sweetness and depth that fresh onion alone can’t provide.
Garlic: Just the right amount to give a fragrant, savory punch.
Bread crumbs: Soaked in chicken broth, they keep the meatloaf tender and help bind the ingredients.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory taste to the bread crumbs.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for that classic “meatloaf” flavor you’re craving.
Ketchup: Mixed into the loaf and brushed on top — it gives a tangy sweetness and a glossy finish.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity that balances the sweetness of ketchup.
Fresh parsley: Freshness and color, both inside and for garnish.
Dried thyme: A subtle earthy herb that complements the turkey without overwhelming it.
Egg and egg yolk: Nature’s binder to keep everything together while keeping the loaf tender.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning staples to enhance all the other flavors.
Ground turkey: The star protein — lean and packed with flavor when mixed with all the other ingredients.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe is. Whether you want to add a twist, cater to dietary needs, or switch up flavors by season, it’s easy to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap fresh parsley for cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor twist that my family loves.
Dietary tweaks: If gluten’s an issue, try gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers — just make sure to soak them well in broth.
Flavor boost: Adding a little smoked paprika or chili powder can give the meatloaf a smoky depth and a hint of heat.
Seasonal spins: In fall, I like folding in some finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or grated carrots for added texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep & Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, then add finely chopped yellow onion. Stir occasionally as it softens and turns a lovely golden brown—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Adding garlic towards the end (saute for just 30 seconds more) lets it release its aroma without burning, which can make the whole batch bitter. Once done, set this mixture aside to cool; you’ll want it fully cooled before mixing it into the meat to keep everything light and not prematurely melt your egg.

Step 2: Soak the Bread Crumbs & Cool

While the onion and garlic are cooking, stir together the bread crumbs and chicken broth in a large bowl. This step is key — soaking the bread crumbs prevents the meatloaf from becoming dry or crumbly. Once your onion-garlic mixture has cooled, fold it into the soaked bread crumbs and then pop this mixture into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This chill time ensures that when you add the egg and turkey, everything stays at the right temperature and combines evenly.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients

Pull your bread crumb mixture out of the fridge and add parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, dried thyme, egg, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. This blend is where the magic happens — those layers of flavor build on each other, so don’t skip any of these! Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to combine until everything is well incorporated. This is also the moment to taste a tiny pinch of the mixture to adjust seasoning — it’s easier here than after baking.

Step 4: Add Turkey & Shape Your Loaf

Now, add the ground turkey and gently mix with your hands until evenly combined. I find gentle mixing prevents the meatloaf from turning dense. Shape the mixture into a neat 9 by 4-inch loaf on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil — this helps the surface brown beautifully without drying out in the oven.

Step 5: First Bake & Glaze

Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes at 375°F. Then, remove it carefully and brush the top with the remaining ⅓ cup of ketchup—this glaze gives a sweet, tangy finish and beautiful color. Returning the meatloaf to the oven for another 10 to 20 minutes lets the glaze set and ensures the inside reaches a safe 165°F. I like to check the temperature in multiple spots (about one-third in from each end and center) with an instant-read thermometer so every bite is safely cooked and juicy.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and tender. Sprinkle with a bit more fresh parsley before slicing. Serve warm and watch everyone ask for seconds!

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this turkey meatloaf a weekly staple at my house:

Don’t skip soaking the bread crumbs: It’s the secret to tenderness — use chicken broth instead of water for better flavor infusion.
Cook onions gently: Browning them just right adds sweetness without any harsh bite.
Check internal temperature at multiple points: Turkey can cook unevenly, so multiple checks prevent over or undercooking.
Let it rest: Skipping this step means losing valuable juices that keep your meatloaf moist.

How to Serve Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it adds vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a little extra freshly cracked black pepper goes on top for a bit of rustic charm.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are classic roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or creamy mashed potatoes — both hug the flavors of the turkey meatloaf beautifully. On warmer days, roasted sweet potato wedges and a fresh green salad are a lighter pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve shaped this meatloaf into mini individual loaves in a muffin tin — easy portions that everyone enjoys. You can also serve slices stacked with a spoonful of mushroom gravy on top for a restaurant-style twist that feels indulgent but still healthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey meatloaf stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I slice it first before storing — makes reheating just the amount you need super easy.

Freezing

Freeze leftover sliced meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I find it thaws quickly overnight in the fridge and reheats well without losing moisture if you cover it while warming.

Reheating

To keep the moist texture, I reheat slices covered in the microwave on medium power or place them in a 300°F oven covered with foil until warmed through—usually about 15 minutes. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works as a substitute, but turkey’s slightly higher fat content usually keeps the loaf moister. If using chicken, consider adding a little extra olive oil or broth to keep the texture juicy.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

Soaking the bread crumbs in chicken broth and not overmixing the turkey are key steps. Also, monitoring the internal temperature and removing the loaf promptly once it hits 165°F will ensure juicy meatloaf every time.

Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just shape and bake it when you’re ready. This is a great time saver on busy days.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat slices covered in a microwave or in a low oven with a splash of broth to preserve moisture. Avoid high heat settings to prevent drying out the meatloaf.

Final Thoughts

I treasure this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe because it delivers on comforting flavors while feeling a little lighter and healthier than the traditional beef version. It’s been a staple for cozy dinners and a crowd-pleaser every time I make it. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself — trust me, once you nail this simple yet flavorful recipe, it’ll be your go-to meatloaf too!