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Turkey Meatloaf

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This Turkey Meatloaf takes just 10 minutes to prepare, yet will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). This beef alternative meatloaf is anything but bland thanks to being seasoned with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and garlic. #turkey #meatloaf #comfortfood #ketchup #easyrecipe #easydinner #sundaysupper

This Turkey Meatloaf takes just 10 minutes to prepare, yet will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).  This beef alternative meatloaf is anything but bland thanks to being seasoned with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and garlic.  

Slices of Turkey Meatloaf on a parchment lined baking sheet.

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Original content posted February 2013.  Updated January 2021.

What is the best turkey meatloaf recipe?  THIS ONE.  This Turkey Meatloaf recipe has been a hit in our house since 2006 when it was first passed along from my dear friend, Gabby. 

The aroma wafting from the oven will have you counting down the minutes until dinner.  In fact, 99% of the time when I’m asking our family for menu ideas for the following week, my husband suggests this turkey meatloaf recipe.  It’s typically his birthday dinner request as well.  Comfort food at it’s finest, my friends!

A Turkey Meatloaf being sliced on a parchment lined baking sheet with a spoon and bowl of ketchup.

How Long Does Turkey Meatloaf Cook?

This recipe is so incredibly easy that you can enjoy it not only for a delicious Sunday dinner, but for any weeknight meal as well.  In fact, one of my favorite tricks is to prepare the meatloaf ahead of time on what I know will be a busy evening.  

Earlier in the day, I’ll prepare the meatloaf but instead of sliding it into the oven, I’ll instead cover the meatloaf on the baking pan and refrigerate it until time to bake.  At dinner time, it’s ready and waiting for me to put it into bake for one hour and 15 minutes.  This shortcut has made me look like supermom on more than one occasion!

Please also note that I choose to make my Turkey Meatloaf without a loaf pan.  Instead, I choose to make a freeform loaf on a parchment lined baking sheet.  This allows for a super easy clean up AND for more crispy bits along the top, sides and ends of the meatloaf that our family deems the best part. 

If you’re not a crispy bits type of guy or gal, feel free to make this turkey meatloaf recipe the more traditional way in a greased loaf pan.

An overhead view of slices of Turkey Meatloaf with a bowl of ketchup and a spoon.

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf Moist?

This Turkey Meatloaf takes just 10 minutes to prepare, yet will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).  The key to keeping your turkey meatloaf moist?  Don’t overwork it!  You want to stir together the turkey mixture until just combined, no more.

You also will want to insure that you allow the meatloaf to rest after you remove it from the oven.  This allows for the juices within the meatloaf to have a chance to redistribute.  If you lack the patience to follow this step, all of the juices will flow out of the meatloaf when you begin to cut it leaving you with a dry and tasteless meatloaf.

A Turkey Meatloaf on a baking sheet with a small bowl of ketchup, spoon, microwplane and wedge of Parmesan cheese.

What Goes with Turkey Meatloaf?

When my four small children eagerly ask for seconds each and every time this Turkey Meatloaf is on the table, I know I have a winner.  This recipe is no doubt an immediate add to your kitchen playbook.  

Especially when served alongside my Twice the Onion Green Bean Casserole and Cheesy Corn Casserole.  And of course, my Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes.  Can’t forget those!

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf, steps 1-4.

What to Make Turkey Meatloaf?

[1]  In the bowl of an electric mixer, add all ingredients through garlic powder.

[2]  Mix together on low speed until just combined.

TIP: You’ll want to mix only until you can no longer see individual ingredients but rather one cohesive mixture.  If you over mix your meatloaf, it will become dry and tough.

[3]  Form mixture into loaf shape on parchment lined baking pan.

TIP: I love to use these precut parchment sheets when I’m baking to make my time in the kitchen super easy and less messy.

[4]  Top with remaining ketchup.  Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done.

A Turkey Meatloaf being sliced.

How to Reheat Turkey Meatloaf

This beef alternative meatloaf is anything but bland thanks to being seasoned with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and garlic.  In fact, I typically double the recipe so that we can enjoy one meatloaf with traditional sides for one dinner and then we love the leftovers pan fried, topped with cheese and served between bread for a hearty sandwich.

Of course, you can also go a more traditional route to reheat this turkey meatloaf recipe and use the microwave or place it on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees until warmed through.  Cooking time will vary depending on the quantity of meatloaf you have leftover.

An overhead view of a Turkey Meatloaf with ketchup and Parmesan cheese.

If you’ve tried this Turkey Meat Loaf or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment! 

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes.

 

Turkey Meatloaf | Melanie Makes
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4.48 from 42 votes

Turkey Meat Loaf

This Turkey Meatloaf takes just 10 minutes to prepare, yet will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). This beef alternative meatloaf is anything but bland thanks to being seasoned with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil and garlic.  
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Total Time1 hr 25 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 260kcal
Author: Melanie Bauer | Melanie Makes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 93/7 ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • additional ketchup and grated Parmesan cheese if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, add all ingredients through garlic powder.
  • Mix together on low speed until just combined.
    TIP: You'll want to mix only until you can no longer see individual ingredients but rather one cohesive mixture.  If you over mix your meatloaf, it will become dry and tough.
  • Form mixture into loaf shape on parchment lined baking pan.
    TIP: I love to use these precut parchment sheets when I’m baking to make my time in the kitchen super easy and less messy.
  • Top with remaining ketchup. 
  • Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 873mg | Sugar: 9g

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy Jean says

    Hi Melanie! I posted a year ago on the comments about making your meat loaf with 2 loaves. It really made me laugh with all my questions about changing it up. Actually the very best way to make your wonderful meat loaf is exactly the way you do it, not changing anything! Tomorrow, once again for friends I will make it! The only difference this time is I will place olive oil on top with bread crumbs! Thanks again 😊
    Reply

  2. Amelia Meredith says

    This was my second try at turkey meatloaf as my first go was not a keeper. This recipe was delicious and the hubby and teenagers loved it tonight! Not making it in the loaf pan is genius! I will keep this recipe in the family night meals lineup for sure, it was great for a snowy cold day with mashed potatoes and green beans.
    Reply

  3. Amy Jean says

    Hi Melanie! I have made your wonderful meat loaf several times! This Friday, I decided to make it for 6 of our friends, 8 including us. My husband & I decided on 3 Lb's of turkey meat. My ? To you is should I do 2 loaves 1 1/2 Lb's each. W the same add ins for each loaf. Or make 1 loaf 3 Lb. So the next ? Is: if I make 2 with 11/2 Lb's each, can I put the same amt of add in for the 2 loaves. I realize it may be a bit more than the recipe calls for bc its not 2 Lbs. Or 1 3 LB meat loaf, but can I double the art of add one or will it be too runny. I'm sorry for making this like a mountain of ?, I just want to dk it correctly. My gut tells me it should be OK to make 1 loaf 3Lbs & double the ingredients, but it would be great to hear what you say!! Also let me know about the time to cook it as well! Thanks again! I also made several comments previously & raving over this yummy meal! All my best to you!!!!!
    Reply

    • Amy Jean says

      Hi Melanie! I decided after reading some of the comments in order to make 3 Lbs of turkey meat, I would add a bit more of the ingredients to the 3 LBS of meat & then separate into 2 loaves. This way, for sure I would get the correct amount of added ingredients a bit over the normal 2 LBS of turkey meat. Thanks again for your delicious recipe!
      Reply

  4. Joy says

    Best meatloaf recipe I’ve ever tried! One of the few dishes I make that everyone loves and is excited for me to make time and again. I don’t change a thing when preparing it and turns out perfect every time. Thanks!
    Reply

  5. Rachael says

    LOVE THIS!! I'm not usually a meatloaf fan, but this is a game changer! The combination of spices and Parmesan cheese really change the turkey into a flavorful dinner. The best part is that its not greasy like the beef meatloaf would be- made it last night, can;t wait to have the leftovers for lunch!
    Reply

  6. Marah says

    Hello, I am wondering if I could make this and freeze if before baking so that I can bake at a later date. If so, what time and temp do you suggest I bake it at frozen?
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hey, Marah - I've never frozen it before baking so can't say for certain. If you try this, let me know your results!
      Reply

  7. Michelle says

    Found this recipe a couple years back and have only used this recipe since!! It’s fantastic! Whole family loves it:) thanks so much for this awesome dish!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Thrilled you enjoy it, Michelle! Thanks so much for letting me know you love it as much as our family does!
      Reply

  8. Melissa says

    This is officially my favourite ground turkey recipe ever and has become a weekly staple in our house Thank you for sharing!
    Reply

      • Patty says

        I have tried a few different turkey meatloaf recipes and this one is hands down the best!!! I used Italian breadcrumbs and dried parsley and it was delicious. This is my new go-to recipe. Easy and everyday ingredients!!!
        Reply

        • Melanie says

          You're so incredibly kind, Patty - thank you! So appreciate you taking the time to comment and let me know you enjoyed it!
          Reply

  9. Stacy says

    Such a good recipe, my husband and son don’t cringe when I say meatloaf dinner anymore. Sometimes I don’t have 2lb of turkey so I mix in a pound of lean ground beef. And I don’t ever seem to have quick oats, rolled oats work just fine. Grated onion is really good too. I do not like ketchup BUT I went ahead and gave it a try, have to say it’s better with the ketchup :] Love that you can do so many variations and it turns out good every time. Thank you for sharing!!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Such kind words, Stacy - thank you! So appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. Love that it's become a favorite at your house!
      Reply

  10. Marla says

    I have been experimenting with several turkey meatloaf recipes prior to a party I'm hosting Sat. night and yours won (according to my and my husband's preferences!)... Meanwhile, if I use 3 lbs. any guidance on the length of time required for cooking. Don't want to dry it out. Also, what is the final product when you use a loaf pan instead of baking sheet? Any pics? Any crustiness at all? Thanks much in advance. This is a keeper.
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      You totally made my day, Marla - THANK YOU! :) If you choose to make a larger loaf, I would instead double the recipe and make two separate loafs. This is what I typically do as we love the leftovers and can demolish one loaf quite easily. I don't have any photos of the recipe made in a loaf pan, but if you do prepare it this way, the only crust is on the top instead of also along the four sides as well. Hope that helps!
      Reply

  11. Jenna says

    Hi! I am wanting to make this for dinner tomorrow. I don’t have an electric mixer, however, is that a key to this recipe or can I lightly mix by hand? Thanks
    Reply

  12. Laurie says

    Made it for dinner tonight and it was REALLY good! I used fresh basil and a meatloaf pan instead of baking it on parchment paper. My husband wasn't too thrilled with the prospect of meatloaf for dinner but definitely changed his mind at the first bite. Planning to make it again! Thanks for sharing
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      So glad you enjoyed it, Colleen - thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. Can't tell you how much I appreciate it!
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Marieliza - Yes, you should be able to prepare as noted and then put in the fridge covered before baking. Can't wait to hear what you think!
      Reply

  15. Trina says

    My favorite turkey meatloaf of all time! Thank you! I don’t eat beef or pork so this really gave me the meatloaf I was craving! I add red onion and a little less ketchup inside but love it!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Trina, this is the nicest compliment. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. So appreciate it!
      Reply

  16. Becca says

    Hi! This recipe looks great! Question though, does it have to be quick oats or could I use regular rolled oats? And is this recipe doubled already? It's only 2 of us I'm cooking for so was wondering if I could just do 1 pound of ground turkey and then half the rest of the ingredients! Thanks!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hey, Becca - This recipes is not doubled already. In fact, I double it when I feed our family of six. I would prepare the recipe as written as the leftovers are delicious and awesome as sandwiches as well!
      Reply

  17. Tina says

    We just finished this meatloaf for dinner tonight! Clean plates all around the table. That says a lot with a 4 and 6 year old eating! I halved it and it still turned out great!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Tina, thanks so much for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. Thrilled that your family enjoyed it as much as mine do!
      Reply

  18. Kaylyn says

    I have always been skeptical about meatloaf. I LOVE THIS! QUESTION Instead of putting breadcrumbs, can i do 1 c of oatmeal ? Would it still hold together. My mother in law can't do bread like items, but oatmeal is fine.
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Kaylyn - You might check the comments. I haven't tried it with just oatmeal, but I believe others have with great results! Let me know how it works!
      Reply

  19. Jennifer says

    Holy cow! This is definitely a keeper. So flavorful and moist! The only thing I did differently was add chopped onion. I can’t wait to make this again. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      So thrilled you love it, Jennifer! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know - love that this is now loved as much in your home as it is in ours!
      Reply

  20. Stephanie Sanders says

    I had 3lbs of Turkey so I did 1 1/2 of the recipe. I plan to cook it in the oven in my cast iron skillet.Since it's a slightly larger batch, how long would you recommend I cook it? This sounds so good! Can't wait to try it!
    Reply

    • Stephanie Sanders says

      I ended up cooking it for 1 hour and 10 minutes. It came out perfect! I didn't have oats so used all bread crumbs instead. That's the only alteration that I made. This is honestly the best meatloaf I've ever had! It's so much healthier than the beef recipes, not greasy but oh so moist! Fabulous! Definitely 5+ ☆☆☆☆☆. I
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hey, Allie - You definitely could halve it you just would need to change the cooking time. Honestly though, make the entire recipe! Leftovers are awesome on a sandwich or event fried with a piece of cheese on top. Total comfort food! Let me know if you give it a try. :)
      Reply

  23. Amy Jean says

    Melanie! Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe! I was looking on Pinterest & noticed how lovely your meatloaf differed from the others. Well last evening I made it, & ALL enjoyed it especially my hubby! I always use turkey meat, so it was the perfect match. I enjoyed the fragrance of oregano throughout. Also, I now see how the high degree of 400 is essential to create that nice burn look, & making sure all is cooked through. Finally, I do not have to feel that pressure to put in chopped onions! :) Thanks so much, & now I have bookmarked your blog! Blessings; Amy Jean
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Amy Jean - Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. So appreciate it!
      Reply

      • Amy Jean says

        Hi Melanie! I'm back again, looking up on my Pinterest U marvelous recipe, & noticed my comment!! How great! So our son will be visiting tomorrow evening, & I know exactly what to make him. I may add those onions too. Also recently, I have changed by eating Organic beef. There are so many benefits, but was blinded by all the bad rap that meat has been given. So, I will add turkey meat & the Organic beef to make the 2 Lbs. Everytime I make this recipe, as you said is delicious. Its like you now have a "SIGNATURE" recipe! Will let u know how it turns out! So appreciate you and your great blogs. Please send me your blog again, so I can add it to my recipe folder. I may already have it, just checking! Blessings to you dear Melanie!!! :)
        Reply

        • Melanie says

          Thank you so much for your kind words, Amy Jean - so appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it! Enjoy the visit with your son!
          Reply

    • Melanie says

      So glad you enjoyed it, Kate! And thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. So appreciate it! Hope it'll become a favorite of your family's as it is with mine.
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      I haven't tried the substitution but am pretty sure it would work without any changes to the original recipe, Jess. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
      Reply

  27. Darlene says

    This looks delicious! Am wondering about the temperature being so high (400) since mist meatloaf recipes I've made were baked at 350-375. Also, is it okay to use 85% lean instead of 93%?
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Darlene - that's the correct temperature. Turns out perfect every time! And yes, you definitely can use the 85% if you'd like.
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Your comment totally made my day, Jenny - thank you so much! So appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it.
      Reply

  29. Celeste says

    This meatloaf was so delicious and easy to make! I substituted the basil and oregano with Herbs du Provence, and the whole family loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Celeste - thanks so much for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it! I love that your family enjoyed it as much as ours does. Also love how you personalized it to fit your taste as well!
      Reply

  31. Leah says

    This meatloaf is spectacular. My husband (who swears he doesn't like meatloaf) even likes it! I'm making it for the second time tonight for he inlaws. Thank you for the recipe using ground turkey!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      I'm so glad you both enjoyed it, Leah - and love that you're making it for your in-laws. Mine love it too! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know your thoughts - you totally made my day!
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Toni - You can copy the ingredients and input them into your favorite nutritional calculator to get the calorie information you're looking for. Hope that helps and you'll give this recipe a try!
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi! I think as long as the chicken you use isn't too lean you'll be okay. I'd use just ground chicken instead of ground chicken breast. Let me know what you think!
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Thank you so much, Erin - can you believe I've been sitting on these photos for nearly a year and hadn't posted them? Oops!
      Reply

  45. Michelle says

    Made this recipe this week and it was AMAZING! Rave reviews from hubby and 17 month old. Definitely going on the repeat list. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply

      • Deana says

        Hi. Can you tell me how you got it so dark and crunchy looking on the outside ? Mine is in the oven right now and as usual for turkey meatloaf...it’s very pale and blonde. Did you crank up the broiler? Thanks ! D
        Reply

        • Melanie says

          Hi, Deana - No broiler required! The ketchup gets very dark on the outside allowing the outside to darken and get a bit crunchy - the most requested pieces at our house!
          Reply

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