This Turkey Meatloaf is one of our favorite staple meals. I make it a couple times each month, and it always hits the spot. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, you’ll never believe this meatloaf is made with turkey. And I promise, you won’t miss the beef one bit!

Today’s recipe is a special one. A simple one, but special all the same.

I sort of can’t believe I haven’t shared the recipe for Our Favorite Turkey Meatloaf before now. I’ve been making it for a few years now, and it is an almost-weekly staple. Everyone in my house LOVES this meatloaf.

Now, if you’re already skeptical about the use of turkey over beef here, have no fear. I promise you this: this meatloaf comes out super juicy and tender and flavorful, you don’t miss the beef one bit.

I personally prefer the taste of turkey to beef a lot of the time, and if you aren’t in that camp, please know I wouldn’t lead you astray! There is no dry, hockey-puck meatloaf allowed in my house, and I won’t allow it to happen in yours either.

This meatloaf comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and is topped with a savory-sweet sticky glaze that really sends things over the top. I have these ingredients stocked in my pantry/fridge at all times.

I know meatloaf isn’t the most glamorous of meals, and a lot of people grew up eating BAD meatloaf — but this is such a comforting, satisfying meal. And it’s made a little bit lighter with turkey without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

We eat this several times every month, and it’s so good, we’ve never gotten sick of it. My kids get excited whenever they find out that this meatloaf is on the dinner menu.

I most often serve this with broccoli or some other veg on the side, and often a simple carb, like buttered noodles or roasted potatoes. A complete, well-rounded meal that comes together with minimal effort is just what I look for on busy weeknights! And this is exactly that.

Let’s get into how this comes together.

Ingredients You Need to Make This Turkey Meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf:

Finely diced onion
Grated garlic
Ketchup
Olive oil
Garlic salt
Dried Italian seasoning
Smoked paprika
Black pepper
Italian breadcrumbs
Egg
93% lean ground turkey

For the Glaze:

Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar

How to Make This Turkey Meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (if using foil, spritz with oil or cooking spray).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion, garlic, ketchup, olive oil, seasonings, and ½ cup of the breadcrumbs. Taste the mixture before adding the egg or turkey – it should be very flavorful, almost too seasoned – this is how you know the meatloaf will have enough seasoning.
Add in the egg and mix well. If the mixture is really liquidy, add in another ¼ cup of breadcrumbs.
Add in the turkey and gently fold it into the breadcrumb mixture. I use my hands for this. Mix until everything is uniform but not overly mixed. Mixing it together without handling it too much will lead to a more tender meatloaf.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet. I make mine roughly 5 x 8 inches with a 2-inch height (it doesn’t have to be perfect – just form it into a rectangular loaf shape the best you can).

For the Glaze:

Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl and then spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

To Bake:

Transfer the meatloaf to the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. The meatloaf should be browned on the outside and the glaze will be caramelized and slightly thickened on top.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

My mouth is watering just thinking about how delicious this meatloaf comes out. The meat is so flavorful and the sticky-sweet glaze on top really seals the deal on deliciousness.

It’s one of our favorite weeknight meals for a reason. Humble but delish!