Savory Turkey Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Glaze

This turkey meatloaf takes only 10 minutes to prepare but often has everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a flavorful alternative to beef, seasoned with Parmesan, oregano, basil and garlic for a comforting, well-rounded dinner.

Original post: February 2013. Updated: January 2021.

Looking for the best turkey meatloaf recipe? This one has been a family favorite for years. I first received it from a dear friend in 2006 and it’s remained a go-to because it’s simple, savory, and reliably delicious. The kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma while it bakes, and it’s one of those recipes my family requests again and again — especially my husband, who often asks for it for his birthday dinner.

How long does turkey meatloaf cook?

This recipe works for both special Sunday dinners and busy weeknights. One helpful shortcut is to prepare the loaf earlier in the day, cover it on the baking pan, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When dinnertime arrives, transfer it straight to the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. That simple prep step can make hectic evenings much easier.

I prefer to shape the meatloaf freeform on a parchment-lined baking sheet rather than bake it in a pan. That method gives you easier cleanup and more crispy edges—those browned ends and sides are often the most popular part at my table. If you prefer a softer, more uniform loaf, you can certainly bake it in a greased loaf pan instead.

How to keep turkey meatloaf moist

The key to a moist turkey meatloaf is to avoid overworking the mixture. Combine the ingredients just until they hold together—mix only until the components are incorporated and you no longer see separate elements. Overmixing compacts the loaf and can make it dry.

Another important step is letting the meatloaf rest after you remove it from the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the loaf so they won’t all pour out when you slice it. A brief rest of 10–15 minutes yields a juicier slice and better texture overall.

What pairs well with turkey meatloaf?

This meatloaf is a family-pleaser and pairs well with classic comfort sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cheesy corn casserole, or cheesy hash brown potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal. Leftovers also reheat well and make excellent sandwiches when pan-fried with melted cheese between slices of bread.

How to make turkey meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer (or a large mixing bowl), combine the ground turkey through the garlic powder: ground turkey, quick-cooking oats, dried bread crumbs, lightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup ketchup, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried basil, and garlic powder.
3. Mix on low speed or stir by hand just until the ingredients are evenly combined. Tip: stop mixing as soon as the mixture looks uniform—overmixing will make the loaf tough.
4. Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For easier cleanup, use precut parchment sheets if you have them.
5. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf.
6. Bake at 400°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until cooked through. Let the meatloaf rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to reheat turkey meatloaf

Leftovers reheat well in several ways. For a quick option, microwave individual slices until warmed through. For a crisper result, reheat in a 350°F oven on a foil-covered baking sheet until heated to your liking. Pan-frying slices and topping with cheese makes a rich sandwich filling. Reheat times depend on portion size, so check that the meat reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.