The Best Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Turkey Meatloaf

My family loves turkey meatloaf so much, I have created so many meatloaf recipes on my site. If you like meatloaf as much as I do, you might also enjoy this Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf or this Bacon Topped BBQ Turkey Meatloaf. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or loaded cauliflower mash and a vegetable on the side and dinner is done!

How To Make Turkey Meatloaf

My mom always made meatloaf with beef when I was growing up, and I always loved it. But once I tried it with turkey, I never looked back. Not only is it leaner, I also find the meatloaf juicier and my family now prefers it, it’s on constant rotation. Here are a few tips and variations for perfectly juicy and flavorful meatloaf every time!

What temperature should meatloaf be cooked to?

Meatloaf is best baked at 350 degrees F in a conventional oven, although I have also increased the temp to 400 degrees F to cook faster. You will know it’s ready when it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. using an instant read thermometer.

Meatloaf Tips and Variations:

Don’t overwork the meat. Just like making meatballs, if you over work the meat it will become more dense. It’s best to gently mix all the ingredients until just mixed in. Make it faster! If I want to make this quicker, I will make them into four smaller loaves and cook it for about 25 to 30 minutes. You can also make it in cupcake tins like I do in this Cupcake Meatloaf with Mashed Potato Frosting. Add heat! If you want to spice things up you can add some chipotle or sriracha to the ketchup. Use beef. If you prefer beef, swap the turkey for a lean beef around 90% lean. Make it low-carb or grain-free. Swap the breadcrumbs out for equal amounts of almond meal. Make it with oats. Swap the breadcrumbs out for equal amounts of rolled oats. BBQ Sauce. Replace the ketchup glaze with BBQ sauce to give it a smokey flavor. Make it juicier. I often use 93% lean for a juicier turkey meatloaf. Make it for Meal Prep! Double the recipe, make two and freeze one for another night. Leftovers. Leftovers are great for sandwiches. Refrigerate 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf is great for freezing. I usually make two, one for dinner and one to freeze for another night. It takes about the same time to make 2 as it does to make 1. To freeze, let it cool, then slice the loaf. Transfer to freezer safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator the night before, then microwave in 30 second increments until heated through.