Turkey Meatloaf often gets a bad rap for being dry and bland. Well, I’m here to prove you wrong! Say hello to my Homemade Turkey Meatloaf recipe - it’s juicy, moist, flavourful and almost too good for words. This meatloaf is the meatloaf of all meatloaves! Now, that’s a mouthful, both figuratively and literally.
It’s flavoured with a variety of aromatic spices, including Herbes de Provence, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, parsley and sautéed vegetables. The sautéed vegetables and the cooking process employed are really the secret to keeping this meatloaf extra juicy. Covering the meatloaf at the onset of the cooking process allows the turkey to cook through without drying it out. The meatloaf is then glazed with a sweet, savoury and sticky sauce and returned to the oven to cook uncovered for the duration of the cook time.
If you ask me, turkey meatloaf is always a good idea and makes for a quick and easy dinner when you are gearing up for a busy week. This recipe makes 2 loaves! That’s two for the price of one! What a bargain! Meal prepping doesn’t get much better than this! Indulge over the course of a few days or freeze a loaf, for a meal that’s ready in a moment’s notice.
Let’s give this turkey meatloaf the love that it deserves! Serve it alongside my Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Miso Butter Green Beans and you've got yourself a winning meal! So, let me show you how it’s done. Grab a spoon and come and cook with me!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 67 minutes
Total Time: 77 minutes
Makes: 2 loaves
Serves: 5 - 8 per loaf
Ingredients:
Turkey Meatloaf
3 lbs ground turkey
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 large white onion, finely chopped
3/4 tsp kosher salt
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (See Notes below)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Herbes de Provence (See Notes below)
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (See Notes below)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup parsley leaves and stems, finely chopped
Meatloaf Glaze
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375F and line two 9”x5” loaf pans with parchment paper.
Preparing the Meatloaf: Set a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil, onion and 1/4 tsp of salt and sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent and softened. Add the celery and carrots and sauté for another 7 minutes. Then, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. Let it cool slightly.
To a large mixing bowl, add the breadcrumbs, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, garlic and onion powder, Herbes de Provence, pepper, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and eggs and whisk until fully incorporated. Add the parsley, sautéed vegetables and ground turkey and mix until just combined.
Divide the mixture in half and portion it out amongst the two loaf pans. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Making the Meatloaf Glaze: While the meatloaf is baking, to a medium bowl, add the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard and mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Remove the loaf pans from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Add generous spoonfuls of meatloaf glaze over both loaves, ensuring an even distribution throughout. Then, transfer the loaf pans into the oven and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes or until cooked through. You know your turkey meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Remove the loaf pans from the oven and let them rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and slice it into desired portion. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
What is Herbes de Provence? Herbes de Provence is a blend of aromatic spices, that originated in southern France. It typically includes rosemary, basil, tarragon, oregano, thyme, marjoram, savoury and bay leaf.
What If I Don’t Have Herbes de Provence at Home?: If you don’t have this spice blend stored in your pantry or you can’t find it at your local grocer, don’t fret. Simply substitute it with Italian seasoning on a 1:1 basis. You won’t achieve the same floral and savoury taste but the spices and herbs used in an Italian Seasoning blend will beautifully compliment the other ingredients in this dish.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs and Worcestershire sauce used in this recipe for gluten-free breadcrumbs and low-sodium tamari on a 1:1 basis.
Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients: You want to work quickly and efficiently here! Using your hands or a large spoon, mix all the meatloaf ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix as doing so may lead to a tough meatloaf.
Freezing the Meatloaf: This meatloaf is freezer friendly. Simply cut your meatloaf into 1/2 - 3/4 inch slices, depending on your preference. Wrap the slices in wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe airtight container or ziplock bag. When you are ready to indulge, simply remove a slice or two from the freezer and defrost in the microwave. Serve and enjoy!