The Ultimate Moist Turkey Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

If you’re on the hunt for a family meal that’s both wholesome and comforting, you might be wary of the dreaded dry meatloaf. We understand completely. The promise of a tender, flavourful slice can often lead to a crumbly disappointment. But we’re here to put an end to that. Our belief is that turkey meatloaf should always be juicy, succulent, and full of flavour. This is the Moist Turkey Meatloaf Recipe you’ve been hoping for—our definitive guide to creating a standout main course that will have the whole family clamouring for more.

It’s time to set aside any previous notions about turkey meatloaf. We have filled this recipe with straightforward techniques and quality ingredients to guarantee a superb outcome. It’s a nourishing dish that makes no compromises on taste, positioning it as a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely Sunday lunch. Let’s begin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Exceptionally Juicy and Packed with Flavour: We employ a special blend of ingredients, like sautéed vegetables and milk-soaked breadcrumbs, to ensure every bite is tender and moisture is locked in.
• A Truly Wholesome Meal: This is a genuinely healthy meatloaf. Using lean turkey mince dramatically lowers the fat content compared to classic beef versions, all without compromising on that rich, satisfying taste.
• Ideal for Meal Planning: This recipe is a fantastic time-saver. It’s delicious served hot for dinner, and the leftovers make for incredible sandwiches the following day. It also freezes exceptionally well.
• Simple and Straightforward to Prepare: With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy home cooks. It provides a gourmet experience with minimal effort, making it a perfect easy turkey dinner.
• The Irresistible Sweet and Tangy Glaze: Our simple, three-part glaze caramelises beautifully as the meatloaf bakes, forming a sticky, flavourful crust that perfectly balances the savoury loaf beneath.

Ingredients

• 900g lean ground turkey mince
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely grated
• 100g fresh breadcrumbs (from about 2 slices of bread)
• 60ml whole milk
• 1 large free-range egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 120ml tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make the Perfect Moist Turkey Meatloaf

To achieve a truly wonderful meatloaf, our focus is on building layers of flavour and locking in moisture. We’ll guide you through every stage to guarantee a perfectly tender result. For the best outcome, follow these instructions carefully.

Step 1: Prepare Your Flavour Base

This initial step is vital for creating depth and ensuring a moist texture. Resist the urge to add raw vegetables straight into the mix; cooking them first elevates the final dish.

1. In a small bowl, combine your fresh breadcrumbs with the milk. Stir them together briefly and leave the mixture to one side. This simple method is one of our best-kept secrets for a wonderfully moist meatloaf.
2. Warm the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they have softened and the onion has become translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for one more minute until aromatic. Take care to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
4. Take the pan off the heat and let the vegetable mix cool for at least 10 minutes. This is important as it stops the hot vegetables from scrambling the egg in the next stage.

Step 2: Gently Combine the Meatloaf Mixture

The secret to a tender texture is to be gentle. Overmixing the turkey mince will lead to a tough, dense result—the very thing we’re trying to avoid with our Ground turkey meatloaf.

1. In a large bowl, place the ground turkey, the cooled sautéed vegetables, the soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Using your hands is the best approach here. Gently combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. You should stop mixing as soon as everything is evenly distributed. The less you work the mixture, the more tender your finished meatloaf will be.

Step 3: Shape and Glaze Your Savory Turkey Loaf

It’s now time to shape our magnificent loaf and apply that tangy, delicious glaze that will become wonderfully sticky in the oven. This is the moment your savory turkey loaf starts to take shape.

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). For an easy clean-up, line a baking sheet with baking parchment.
2. Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently form it into a free-form loaf shape, approximately 22cm by 12cm (around 9 by 5 inches). Avoid packing it down too firmly.
3. Prepare the glaze by whisking the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar together in a small bowl.
4. Brush or spread half of this glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. We’ll use the remaining glaze later to achieve a perfect, caramelised finish.

Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection

The baking process requires a little patience. We cook the meatloaf almost fully before adding the final layer of glaze to ensure it doesn’t catch or burn.

1. Put the meatloaf into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
2. After this time, take the meatloaf out and spread the rest of the glaze over the top.
3. Place it back in the oven to bake for a further 15–20 minutes. The loaf is ready when it is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling and lightly caramelised.
4. The surest way to confirm it’s cooked is by using a meat thermometer; it should read 74°C (165°F) when inserted into the thickest part.
5. Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before you slice and serve it. This crucial step helps the juices to settle, guaranteeing every slice is moist and flavourful.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Our moist turkey meatloaf is incredibly versatile and shines alongside many different side dishes. For a timeless, comforting meal, we recommend serving it with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp steamed green beans. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots and parsnips, also make a superb pairing.

While traditional accompaniments are always delightful, feel free to be creative. For an exceptionally hearty and satisfying meal, consider serving a slice with a comforting pasta dish. Our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an excellent option that complements the savoury profile of the meatloaf perfectly.

Top Tips and Variations for Your Turkey Meatloaf

Are you looking to elevate your meatloaf even further? Here are some of our most-loved tips and ideas for customisation.

• Don’t Skip the Rest: We’ve said it before, but allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before you slice it is absolutely crucial for keeping it juicy.
• Add Hidden Veggies: For an extra boost of moisture and nutrients, try adding finely grated courgette or mushrooms. Just remember to sauté them with the onions first to release their excess water.
• Switch Up the Glaze: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the glaze. A splash of sriracha or a spoonful of wholegrain mustard can introduce a delightful new dimension of flavour.
• Lower-Carb Option: For anyone following a low-carb lifestyle, this meatloaf is fantastic served with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. It provides a fulfilling meal that aligns with various dietary approaches, similar to the ideas in our Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

FAQ

Your New Favourite Turkey Dinner Awaits

And there we have it—our complete guide to making the most wonderfully tender, juicy, and moist turkey meatloaf imaginable. This recipe is proof that healthy meals can be deeply comforting and full of flavour. It’s the kind of dish that gathers everyone around the dinner table, leaving them happy and well-fed.

We are truly excited for you to give this Moist Turkey Meatloaf Recipe a try and hope it becomes a cherished favourite in your household. We’d love for you to leave a comment below to let us know how you got on or to ask any questions. We always enjoy hearing from you! Happy cooking!

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Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 65 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:
• 900g lean ground turkey mince
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, finely grated
• 100g fresh breadcrumbs
• 60ml whole milk
• 1 large free-range egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Glaze:
• 120ml tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and set aside to soak.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and carrot until soft (5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, the cooled vegetable mixture, soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined—do not overwork the mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf (approx. 22cm x 12cm).
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze. Spread half of this glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
7. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over it, and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
8. The meatloaf is done when the glaze is bubbling and an internal thermometer inserted into the center reads 74°C (165°F).
9. Let the meatloaf rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition (per serving):
355 calories,
23g carbs,
31g protein,
15g fat