Easy Turkey Meatloaf

By Melissa Knific

Published July 9, 2024

Easy Turkey Meatloaf
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Rating
5(1,056)
Comments
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There’s really no reason not to celebrate meatloaf — it’s simple, budget-friendly, cleanup is a breeze and there are almost always leftovers for next-day sandwiches. While beef is often the go-to choice for the meat, turkey is a flavorful alternative that can take on a slew of mix-ins. Here, seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder and Worcestershire do the work, but a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a palmful of fresh, chopped thyme or sage can be added for an extra boost. Grated apple ensures the meatloaf isn’t dry; use any variety you have on hand. A sweet, slightly vinegary sauce is spooned over the meatloaf after it’s formed, caramelizing when baked (if you have a favorite bottled or from-scratch barbecue sauce feel free to use ⅔ cup of it instead). Serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

    For the Meatloaf

    • Nonstick cooking spray
    • 1large egg
    • 1½pounds ground turkey (90 percent lean)
    • 1medium apple, cored and grated (6 ounces)
    • 1small yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
    • ¾cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
    • 2teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1¼teaspoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
    • ½teaspoon black pepper
    • 1teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

    For the Sauce

    • ½cup ketchup
    • 1tablespoon packed brown sugar
    • 1teaspoon vinegar (cider, distilled, or white or red wine)
    • 1teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

283 calories; 12 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 20 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 25 grams protein; 482 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the meatloaf: In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add ground turkey, apple, onion, panko, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, if using. Using hands, combine until everything is well mixed. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and form into a football-shaped loaf, about 9-by-5 inches.

  3. Step 3

    Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire and pepper until well combined. Pour evenly over the top of the meatloaf, allowing the sauce to drip down the sides.

  4. Step 4

    Bake meatloaf until the temperature in the center registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 45 to 55 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
1,056 user ratings
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Comments

Cathy

Excellent recipe that guests went back for seconds. I think it will be great as leftovers as well! Easy. Started dinner prep 75 min before guests. Meatloaf out of oven rested 20 min after guests arrived. Perfect for toasting President Bidens courage and patriotism

Diane Haworth

I smash a small - medium avocado and add it to my turkey meatloaf to combat dryness. I get a tender and juicy loaf every time.

HS

Thank you to all the people who comment on the actual recipe, after making it as written. I really appreciate those.

Suzanne

This was not my fave meatloaf recipe, nor even my fave turkey meatloaf recipe (since it’s not fair to compare it to some delish beef/pork mixture). Too much onion for me, and I love onion. Wish I’d read the comments first and taken the suggestion of the person who suggested sautéing the onions and doubling the sauce mixture. Too late for the former, but I’ll make an extra batch of sauce for dipping when I eat leftovers.

Amy

Delicious turkey meatloaf and nicely moist with one medium granny smith apple. I used 2 lbs of ground turkey and upped the other ingredients in proportion slightly. Made additional glaze too with some left over to spoon over meatloaf as plated. Used just 1/2 teaspoon salt, unseasoned panko and other ingredients. I liked the idea of sautéing the onions first but didn't have time this go round and it was still nice. Even my husband enjoyed and he's not a big fan of turkey to begin with!

Sunny

Made this for my friend for her birthday dinner, and we Loved it! Delish.

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