This turkey meatloaf stays genuinely moist — the mistake that sinks most versions — thanks to milk-soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a generous hand with the seasonings. It’s a leaner take on the diner classic that still eats like comfort food, and the leftovers make an excellent sandwich.
Why This Turkey Meatloaf Stays Moist
Ground turkey is lean, so the moisture has to come from somewhere else. Here it’s the breadcrumb-and-milk panade plus the Parmesan, which add fat and hold water through the bake. Two habits matter just as much: mix only until combined (overworking makes any meatloaf dense and dry), and let it rest five minutes out of the oven so the juices settle instead of running out at the first slice.
Pull it at 165°F on an instant-read thermometer — with turkey, the gap between done and dry is small, and the thermometer is what keeps you on the right side of it.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge and freeze well in individual slices. The classic move: a cold meatloaf sandwich on soft bread with a little extra ketchup — arguably better than the original dinner.
More recipes you’ll love: Instant Pot Meat Loaf, Crispy Baked Tilapia, and more in our Healthy Dinner Recipes for Fat Loss.
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Turkey Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a comforting and wholesome dinner idea? Try this delicious turkey meatloaf recipe that’s easy to make and full of savory flavors. Read our blog post for the recipe and a personal story of making it after a long day at work.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the turkey mixture to the pan, and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
