Meatloaf is a classic and beloved recipe for a reason! We grew up eating meatloaf and have always loved this comforting dinner recipe.

This turkey meatloaf is similar to our Easy Meatloaf and Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf – just as moist and flavorful but a bit healthier since it’s made with ground turkey.

With only 10 minutes of prep, this easy dinner idea is great for any night of the week. Just prep and pop it in the oven!

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Healthy. While it is a healthier version, this Sunday dinner idea is still moist and flavorful!
  • Freezer meal. This recipe can easily be doubled and frozen for a second dinner later on.
  • Just mix and bake. Just 10 minutes of prep then simply bake – perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients for turkey meatloaf on a kitchen counter.

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

Topping

  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard – or 1 tablespoon liquid mustard

Meatloaf

  • 1½ pounds ground turkey – or ground chicken
  • ¾ cup crushed buttery round crackers – like Ritz, or use regular breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, chopped – chop or mince to desired size
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – about 1 teaspoon minced garlic, see How to Mince Garlic
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Ground turkey, diced onion, an egg, and crumbs in a white bowl.
A shaped loaf of meat ready for baking.
A meatloaf topped with a ketchup mixture.
Cooked and sliced meatloaf in a white baking dish.

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf

  1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a casserole dish or baking pan and set aside.
  2. TOPPING. In a small bowl, mix ¾ cup ketchup, ⅔ cup brown sugar,1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon dry mustard.
  3. LOAF. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ pounds ground turkey, ¾ cup crushed crackers, ½ cup milk, diced onion, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ cup of the ketchup mixture from step 1. Mix until well combined.
    • Pour the turkey mixture into the greased dish and shape it into a loaf in the middle of the dish.
  4. BAKE. Bake the loaf for 40 minutes, then remove from the oven, drain liquids, and top with the remaining ketchup mixture.
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 160°F. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, top with fresh parsley and serve with a side of Mashed Potatoes.

Kristyn’s Recipe Tips

  • Don’t skip the glaze. The ketchup-brown sugar mixture keeps the meatloaf moist while adding that classic sweet-savory flavor.
  • Use buttery crackers. They add more flavor and tenderness compared to breadcrumbs.
  • Check for doneness with a thermometer. Turkey should reach an internal temp of 160°F for safe, juicy results.
  • Let it rest. Allow the meatloaf to sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing so it holds together better.
Top view of a slice of turkey meatloaf served with a side of mashed potatoes.
Easy turkey meatloaf served with a side of mashed potatoes.
5 from 1 vote

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

By: Kristyn Merkley
Turkey meatloaf is moist, flavorful, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze and is a lighter twist on the classic comfort food dinner.
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment

Video

Ingredients 

Topping

  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Meatloaf

  • 1½ pounds ground turkey
  • ¾ cup crushed buttery round crackers
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a casserole dish and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, crushed crackers, milk, onion, egg, garlic, salt and pepper, and ¼ cup of the ketchup mixture until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into the greased dish and shape into a loaf in the middle of the dish.
  • Bake meatloaf for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven, and drain liquids. Top with the remaining ketchup mixture.
  • Return to the oven and bake an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature is at least 160°F.
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Notes

Freezer meal. Prepare the turkey loaf but do not bake, instead wrap it tightly with plastic. Pour the ketchup sauce into a small freezer Zioloc. Wrap the loaf and ketchup together with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. 
Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) and refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for about 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 323kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 1040mg, Potassium: 558mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 33g, Vitamin A: 258IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

Prep ahead of time?

Turkey loaf. Prepare the turkey loaf, but do not bake. Instead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 days, or wrap again with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
Sauce. Mix the topping and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days or place it in a small freezer ziploc and freeze it along with the turkey loaf.

How to store?

Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) and refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for about 3 months.

Complete the Meal

Side Dishes

Desserts

Turkey Dinners

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This recipe was originally published October 2024.

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About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

More About Kristyn

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5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Shana Festa says:

    5 stars
    My go-to recipe for meatloaf. Shared it with some friends and family and they love it too.

    Reply