Juicy Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe Even Your Kids Will Eat
Ever get tired of cycling through the same few dinners every week? Yeah, me too. Especially when dinner ideas feel boring and budgets feel tighter.
If you’re nodding along right now, today’s recipe is exactly what you need: ground turkey meatloaf—a delicious, budget-friendly twist on classic comfort food and easily one of my favorite ground turkey recipes.
Now, before you roll your eyes at another meatloaf recipe, hear me out. This one’s different. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and uses ground turkey, which—pound for pound—is usually around half the price of ground beef. Saving money without sacrificing flavor? I’m here for it, and you probably are too!
Why Choose Ground Turkey Meatloaf?
If you’ve never made meat loaf with ground turkey, you’re in for a surprise. Turkey is lighter than beef, which means you can actually taste the seasonings and veggies you mix in.
Not only does it stretch your grocery budget further, but ground turkey is also leaner, making your meal a bit healthier. Bonus points for anyone trying to sneak more veggies into their family dinners.
Yep, you read that right—this meatloaf hides vegetables like mushrooms and onions, making it easier to feed picky eaters (ahem, I’m looking at you, kids).
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: this ground turkey meat loaf recipe. It’s a mish-mash of inspiration from some of recipes out of my family cookbooks and, after several trials (some better than others, trust me), I’ve landed on a version that even my pickiest eaters happily devour.
My Favorite Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms; cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chicken stock. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Panade: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk; let sit for a few minutes until the milk is absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sautéed vegetable mixture, breadcrumb mixture, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf approximately 9×5 inches.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove, apply the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices. Serve with your choice of sides.
Why Your Family Will Actually Eat This
Ground turkey meat loaf often gets a bad rap because most people just don’t season it enough. Ground turkey can be bland, but with these veggies, spices, and a killer glaze, it’s anything but boring. Even better, the mushrooms give it a hearty texture, making it feel filling and satisfying without the grease you’d usually get from beef.
Another awesome thing? It’s perfect for leftovers. Make sandwiches with thick slices of leftover meatloaf (hello, easy lunch!) or crumble it into pasta or rice dishes the next day.
Quick Tips and Hacks (Cuz Life Is Busy)
- Chop veggies small: The smaller, the better, especially if you’ve got kiddos suspicious of veggies.
- Make ahead: Prep it in the morning or even the night before. Pop it in the fridge, and dinner’s practically done before you even start.
- Freeze leftovers: Meatloaf freezes like a dream. Slice and wrap leftovers individually, and you’ll have quick, microwave-ready meals for days when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Wrapping It Up
Ground turkey recipes, especially this meat loaf, are exactly what Pennywise Plates is all about—saving money without feeling like you’re skimping. It’s tasty, budget-friendly, and healthier than traditional meatloaf. And honestly, it just tastes really good.
Give this ground turkey meat loaf recipe a try, and let me know what your family thinks! Got any tips or variations you’ve loved? Drop ‘em in the comments—sharing your wins (and fails!) helps everyone.
Before you leave – here’s another great recipe for ground turkey: Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
