This delicious Turkey Meatloaf Recipe comes together in about 60 minutes and is baked in a loaf pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients For Turkey Meatloaf
Making this turkey meatloaf is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Onion (chopped) – Sweet and aromatic, onions really kick the flavor of this meatloaf into high gear!
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil – For sautéing those onions to perfection. Use whatever oil you have on hand; it’s all good!
- 1 Tsp Salt – A couple pinches of salt will help enhance all the flavors.
- ½ Tsp Black Ground Pepper – You know, just for that touch of heat!
- ½ Tsp Thyme (dried) – This herb adds an awesome earthy flavor.
- ¼ Cup Worcestershire Sauce – It’s like the secret sauce that ties everything together!
- ½ Cup Chicken Stock – Keeps the meatloaf moist and full of flavor, chicken or vegetable broth works, too!
- 1 Tsp Tomato Paste – Adds a nice depth of flavor plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers from your pantry!
- 3 lbs. Ground Turkey – The star of the show! Lean and flavorful, it really makes this meatloaf fantastic.
- 1 Cup Bread Crumbs – For texture, you can even use crushed crackers if that’s all you have!
- 2 Eggs (beaten) – These bind everything together beautifully.
- ½ Cup Ketchup – For the topping, seriously, what’s a meatloaf without a good ketchup glaze?
How to Make Simply the Best Turkey Meatloaf
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get down to business with the step-by-step instructions.
Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it gives the meatloaf that perfect cook and browning.
Prepare your pan. Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Sauté the onion. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Oh, and if you love the smell of onions sautéing, you’re in for a treat! Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until it’s all fragrant.
Deglaze the skillet. Now, add the Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom (that’s where all the flavor is!) and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool slightly.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and that cooled onion mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix because nobody likes a dense meatloaf (yikes!).
Shape the meatloaf. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide if you’re using a baking sheet.
Add the glaze. Spread ½ cup of ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf, bringing it all home with that classic meatloaf touch!
Bake it. Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is super important for the health and safety of your meal!
Rest and serve. Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a perfectly moist result, trust me, you don’t want to skip this part.

If you loved this turkey meatloaf recipe, be sure to check out my French onion meatloaf or my Korean BBQ meatloaf!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 60 minutes, this turkey meatloaf is perfect for busy weeknights. You can get dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Seriously, all these items might already be in your pantry!
Customizable
The secret to a delicious turkey meatloaf is versatility. Don’t have bread crumbs? Use oats; short on ketchup? Try barbecue sauce for a fun twist! You can switch it up easily!
Comfort Food
This meatloaf is loaded with tons of flavor and will warm your heart after a long day. It’s like a big hug on a plate!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare this dish ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep!

Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Meatloaf
Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Oh! And don’t forget the homemade gravy if that’s your style!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer the oven, just cover it with foil and warm it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Easy peasy!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this turkey meatloaf is freezer-friendly! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for about 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Cooking should be fun! So, when you’re trying this Simply Turkey Meatloaf Recipe, don’t hesitate to customize it and make it your own. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic meatloaf taste or want to experiment with new ingredients, this recipe has got you covered! Enjoy!
The heart of great cooking lies in creating meals that bring people together and this turkey meatloaf is a perfect example. Whip it up, savor the time spent with loved ones, and watch smiles all around the dinner table. Happy cooking, friends! And remember, you’ve got this!
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Best Turkey Meatloaf
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy family favorite that comes together in about 60 minutes. Versatile and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Black Ground Pepper
- ½ Tsp Thyme (dried)
- ¼ Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ Cup Chicken Stock
- 1 Tsp Tomato Paste
- 3 lbs. Ground Turkey
- 1 Cup Bread Crumbs
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- ½ Cup Ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and thyme until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock to deglaze the skillet, scraping the bottom for flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and cooled onion mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a loaf.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. This meatloaf is freezer-friendly and holds up well in the fridge for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
