This quick and easy ground turkey meatloaf is seasoned with onion, garlic, and Italian seasonings, and topped with a three-ingredient sweet glaze. This delicious alternative to beef and pork is just as tender and juicy with a lot fewer calories and fat.
This scrumptious turkey meatloaf comes together quickly and is full of flavor. The sweet glaze takes this meatloaf over the top and keeps it nice and moist. I love to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes, Southern green beans, and homemade dinner rolls. For leftovers, try my grilled meatloaf sandwich.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground turkey: Use lean fresh ground turkey (85% lean). Do not use turkey breast, as it is too lean and dry for meatloaf.
- Italian seasoning: Italian Seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley.
- Breadcrumbs: I like to use Panko breadcrumbs, but homemade ones are also delicious.
- Barbecue sauce: I like to use Kansas City style barbecue sauce because it is just so full of flavor and light on sugar. However, your favorite barbecue sauce will work just fine.
- Ketchup: Organic ketchup really does taste a little cleaner.
How To Make Turkey Meatloaf
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Cook the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Mix the ground turkey, onion mixture, Italian seasoning, black pepper, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and ¾ cup barbecue sauce.
- Shape the mixture into a wide loaf in a large baking dish.
- Mix the remaining barbecue sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the mixture over the meatloaf and bake for 40 minutes.
- Spread the remaining mixture over the meatloaf, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Preparation Tips
- For easier cleanup, spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Use a gentle hand when mixing the meatloaf. When shaping the meatloaf, make it more dome-shaped. You do not want it so thick that it does not cook all the way through.
- There is no need to add salt to this recipe, since most jarred barbecue sauces already have plenty of sodium.
- The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 155-160 degrees.
Serving Suggestions For Turkey Meatloaf
- Potatoes: roasted red potatoes, homemade mashed potatoes, and pan-fried potatoes
- Pasta: broccoli pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, and mushroom pasta
- Vegetables: roasted acorn squash, stewed tomatoes, and fried corn
More Turkey Recipes
Easy Turkey Meatloaf
This quick and easy ground turkey meatloaf is seasoned with onion, garlic, and Italian seasonings, and topped with a three-ingredient sweet glaze.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 294kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cups Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce or your favorite kind
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the onion is lightly browned on the edges and tender. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, onion mixture, Italian seasoning, black pepper, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and ¾ cup barbecue sauce. Shape it into a wide loaf in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining barbecue sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire Sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the glaze over the meatloaf and place it in the oven. Be sure to wash the spoon afterward, since it came into contact with raw meat.
- Bake for 40 minutes and then spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
- Cover loosely with an aluminum foil tent and let it rest for 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for short intervals until warm.
- Freeze in a sturdy freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 3mg
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Karletta
Best turkey meatloaf recipe ever. Quick to make, and I let it bake while getting other stuff done. The glaze was exceptional and turned basic into special
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Karletta! I am so glad that you liked it.
Maureen
This is such a great alternative to beef meatloaf. We have been eating more turkey as of late and not because it’s closer to Thanksgiving but just because it’s healthier. I need to give this recipe a try!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Maureen! Enjoy!
Natalie
My family loves meatloaf. But I never made it using turkey meat. I will definitely give your recipe a try. Sounds delicious.
Emily
My husband loves meatloaf and this easy turkey meatloaf is a recipe I can get behind! So delicious and truly easy to put together!
Katherine
This is awesome! SUCH a great recipe for the whole family.
Lata Lala
That’s a wonderful way to use turkey. Planning to make it this weekend.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! Enjoy!!
Sandra
This is so good! Everyone at my house loved it!!
Cathy
Turkey meatloaf is definitely my speed! This turned out DELICIOUS!
Kevin
I love a good meatloaf! This one made with turkey is so good!
Toni
This quickly became a favorite at my house!! I love it!