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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Barbie
I love this turkey meatloaf. I just finished having some leftovers for dinner with corn. It’s one of those comfort foods that never gets old. So yummy.
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Jerry
I loved it. Your easy turkey meatloaf recipe was the perfect weeknight go to, hearty, simple, and healthier than the classic version. I loved your tips for keeping it moist and flavorful without making things complicated.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Jerry! So glad that you liked it.
Kat
This meatloaf recipe was really doable and hearty making it perfect for a simple, filling family dinner. They loved it. Thanks, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are welcome, Kat!
Ebony
This recipe is 10/10!! It’s one of the best meatloaf recipes I’ve ever had. Not too dry, and perfectly seasoned, can’t wait to make this again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ebony! I am so happy that you liked it.
Lisa
Yessss, turkey meatloaf is my absolute favorite! I actually tricked my kids into trying it one Sunday, and ever since then they beg me to make it. I don’t eat beef at all, but give me some ground turkey and I’m in heaven!
Cathy Jose
Fantastic! Such an interesting and delicious meal,my family love this new turkey meat loaf recipe, perfect for this coming Thanksgiving
Stephanie
Turkey meatloaf is such a great way to make a beloved meal with a slightly different taste. I have never put bbq sauce in my meatloaf before this, so it was a welcome zing of flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Stephanie!
Melanie E
I haven’t tried any type of meatloaf before. It sounds like this combines a healthier option by using turkey with a tasty dish.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy!
MayPal
This would be the kind of meatloaf that my husband would go crazy over! I haven’t made any meatloaf, let alone, with turkey meat, but looks interesting to try.
sandra
I tried this recipe last week, and now I come back cuz I will make it again for Thanksgiving! This meatloaf is delicious and I know it will be a hit with my guests.