Trust me, this recipe will turn even the biggest meatloaf haters into meatloaf lovers! The trick to really good ground turkey meatloaf is packing it full of ingredients that help give it flavor and keep the meatloaf moist, like shredded carrots, onion and chopped fresh spinach. It’s also all about the homemade glaze, which takes just 5 minutes to whip up.

Turkey Meatloaf sliced with steam rising up

Packed with ingredients like shredded carrots and fresh spinach, this recipe for turkey meatloaf is not only delicious, but it is also packed with vegetables!

4.9 from 100 reviews
Featured Review

The turkey meatloaf is next level amazing! I don’t even typically like turkey meatloaf but this one is awesome!! Highly recommend.

Lindsay Shapiro
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You might be thinking, “but isn’t turkey meatloaf dry and tasteless?” Not at all! This recipe is a perfect example of how ground turkey meatloaf can be just as tasty and moist as its beef counterpart. With the right combination of ingredients and a homemade meatloaf sauce that’s sweet and tangy, you won’t even miss the beef. Out of all of my recipes with ground turkey, this one is a favorite!

If you’re anti meatloaf but love ground turkey, then check out these quick and easy ground turkey meal ideas. And if you’re still not convinced, then try my Turkey Meatballs or this Bolognese sauce with ground turkey. You won’t be sorry. I’ve got tons of quick and easy dinner ideas and this one is no different.

This recipe features simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making it a great midweek meal for busy families. And it pairs incredibly well with a heaping side of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

Watch how easy it is to make

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • This turkey meatloaf is incredibly moist and packed with flavor thanks to the addition of shredded onion, fresh spinach, cheese and a homemade glaze.
  • The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal prep work, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
  • Leftovers are just as delicious as the day you made them, making it a great option for meal prep!

Key Ingredient notes

ingredients for turkey meatloaf in small bowls
  • Ground Turkey – You can also use ground beef, ground chicken or a mixture.
  • Vegetables – I love the mix we have but use whatever veggies you like or have on hand.
  • Shredded Mozzarella – Really helps create moisture.
3 small bowls filled with kosher salt

The Home Cook’s Guide to Salt

Learn about the basics of salt, plus the best salt for cooking (hint: it’s Kosher salt!) with this easy-to-understand guide to salt for home cooks.

How to make moist ground turkey meatloaf?

The trick to really good meatloaf if packing it full of flavor, with ingredients that help keep it moist. I shred the onion to create lots of juice and tons of flavor. Also adding a bit of cheese really helps.

meatloaf mixture in a bowl
Add ingredients to a big bowl
meatloaf mixture in a bowl
Mix together until well combined
turkey meatloaf on a sheet pan
Form meatloaf on a parchment lined baking sheet
glaze in a small bowl with a whisk
Whisk together ingredients for the glaze while the meatloaf bakes
glaze being brushed over turkey meatloaf
Brush glaze over meatloaf
turkey meatloaf on a sheet pan with glaze
Finish baking with the glaze
turkey meatloaf on a sheet pan

Recipe Tips

  • Use lean ground turkey to avoid excess fat in the meatloaf. Look for ground turkey labeled “93% lean” or “95% lean” for the best results, as excess fat can lead to a greasy and dense meatloaf.
  • Shred the onion and carrots finely to avoid any large chunks in the meatloaf. Use a grater or food processor if needed.
  • Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture – this can result in a dense and tough meatloaf. Mix the ingredients just until they are evenly combined.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and avoid a dry meatloaf. For best results, cover the meatloaf with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.

Variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Use a different type of cheese, like cheddar or feta, for a different taste.
  • Swap out the ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor. Use your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the ketchup in the meatloaf and glaze.
  • Top the meatloaf with bacon for a crispy and savory touch. Lay bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
  • Add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Use different herbs and spices for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme, oregano, or cumin.
  • Use a different type of glaze, like honey mustard or teriyaki.
Turkey Meatloaf on a sheet pan

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat turkey meatloaf is in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the meatloaf on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual slices of turkey meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate for 1 minute per side.

Turkey Meatloaf sliced on a sheet pan with spatula
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Moist Turkey Meatloaf with Grated Veggies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 100 reviews
  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven baked
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Description

Trust me—this recipe will turn even the biggest meatloaf haters into meatloaf lovers! The trick to really good ground turkey meatloaf is packing it full of ingredients that help give it flavor and keep the meatloaf moist, like shredded carrots, onion and chopped fresh spinach. It’s also all about the homemade glaze, which takes just 5 minutes to whip up.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
  • 1 cup shredded onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrots, about 1 large carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add all the ingredients into a large bowl (minus the ingredients for the glaze). Using a fork or clean hands, mix until everything is fully incorporated.
  2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and pour meat onto pan. Use your hands to form into a loaf shape, trying to keep it level so it cooks evenly.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove and brush glaze all over. Place back in the oven for another 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to garnish.

For the glaze

  1. Mix together the ingredients in a small bowl.

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