Meatloaf is arguably one of the most popular American dinners around. This (in my humble opinion), is the best Turkey Meatloaf recipe you'll ever make. It's a lighter, nutrient-packed version that the whole family will love, gluten-free or not! No white bread here, so it's paleo-friendly too.
Why You'll Love This Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Turkey is a lean protein that’s lower in fat compared to traditional beef meatloaf.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices, onions, and garlic ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Hidden Veggies: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Easy to Make: Quick prep time, simple ingredients, and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
Nutritionally smart, the vegetables in this Turkey Meatloaf recipe help keep the meatloaf retain moisture; plus, the kids won't even know they're there! And the flaxseed packs a powerful punch since there’s some scientific evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Ka-pow!
It's gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, Whole30 compliant, and just so darn delicious!
Step-By-Step Instructions To Make Turkey Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the coconut oil. Add the yellow onions, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon if using. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and begin to brown.
- Stir in the soy sauce or kosher salt. Transfer entire mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the zucchini and toss. Add the turkey, one large egg, and optional flaxseed. Gently mix.
- Place mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf and place on a baking pan. Brush tomato sauce or ketchup glaze on top.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until the meatloaf is firm around the edges and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meatloaf is cooked through to 165°F.
To plan for busy weeknights when the kids are going in every different direction and need a quick and healthy meal, we make several mini meatloaves and freeze them.
Then I pull a few from the freezer, and voila, dinner! This versatile Mini Loaf Pan
What to Serve with Turkey Meatloaf
Pair this flavorful meatloaf with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they’re a classic pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus add a nutritious and colorful touch.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatloaf.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a hearty, wholesome side, serve with cooked grains.
Interesting Variation
Try turning the meatloaf into turkey meatballs for a bite-sized, toddler-friendly meal! Reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes if you choose to try this.
How To Store and Reheat Turkey Meatloaf
Refrigerator:
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container wrapped in aluminum foil in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to retain its texture and flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Turkey Meatloaf
- Depending on your family's preference, you can make this recipe with ground beef as well.
- Don't over-mix the meat mixture. That will make it denser and potentially tough.
- If spicy is your thing, add some chipotle or sriracha to the tomato sauce or ketchup.
- If you want to make this recipe quicker, divide the meat mixture into four smaller loaves and cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes.
- We like making these in mini loaf pans. They're easy to eat, freeze and thaw!
- Add any of your favorite vegetables to pack an additional nutritional punch.
- Freeze your leftovers to use when you need a quick lunch or dinner. Or better yet, make a double batch and freeze one for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef are great alternatives. Keep in mind that the nutritional profile and cooking time may vary.
2. Can I skip the zucchini?
While zucchini adds moisture, you can substitute it with grated carrots or omit it entirely. If skipping, you may need to adjust the binding ingredients slightly.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
4. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and shape it into a loaf. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How long long should you cook turkey meatloaf?
Cook times are hard to gauge, because it depends on your oven. It'll also depend on what you're baking it in. When I bake it in a full loaf pan, I bake it for a full 50 minutes. When I bake mini loaves (for freezing), the turkey meatloaf is done between 35-40 minutes. It's best to get a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature!
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Printable Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil)
- ½ yellow or red onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoon chili powder (mild or hot)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (ground)
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup zucchini (grated (about 1 small zucchini))
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste mixed with 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or ketchup)
- ⅓ cup ground flaxseed (optional, this will help bind the meatloaf)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon if using. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and begin to brown.
- Stir in the soy sauce or salt. Transfer entire mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the zucchini and toss. Add the turkey, egg, and optional flax. Gently mix.
- Place mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf and place on a baking pan. Spoon tomato sauce or ketchup on top.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until the meatloaf is firm around the edges and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Don't over mix the meat mixture. That will make it more dense and potentially tough.
- If spicy is your thing, add some chipotle or sriracha to the tomato sauce or ketchup.
- If I want to make this recipe quicker, divide the meat mixture into four smaller loaves and cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition
This recipe was published February 8, 2016 and updated with new pictures, a video, and amended instructions in January 2025.
Looking for more healthy and delicious meal inspiration? Try these Pinterest favorite Low Carb Dinners.
Can comfort food really be healthy? Sure it can! Try this Turkey Meatloaf recipe and let me know.
We also love this Crockpot Turkey Chili and these Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
Alo says
Hi! I want to know if you have any recipe for a gravy that could match this meatloaf (: thank you
Erin says
Sorry, Alo. There isn't a recipe yet for gravy.
Emily says
Oh yum! My family loves meatloaf! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party. Hope you'll join us again this weekend.
Erin says
Thank, Emily! My family does too.
GiGi Eats says
I love the addition of cinnamon and in fact, I would add MORE to the mix! 😉
Erin says
I think you totally could add more cinnamon! Thanks for popping by to get the recipe!
Nicole says
This looks great. Pinning for later!
Erin says
Thanks for the pin, Nicole! Enjoy the recipe!
Sammi says
Yum! I love meatloaf! This recipe needs to be made in my kitchen 😉 I happen to have shredded zucchini in my freezer, it's meant to be!
Emily says
We are pretty much an all-ground-turkey house, but I've yet to try a meatloaf recipe with it! Thanks for sharing this one - it sounds delicious! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday!
Erin says
Us too, ground turkey is great and a healthy alternative to ground beef. Thanks for coming by, Emily!
Angela says
I am wandering over from Meet Up Mondays. This recipe looks great- I have been looking for more low-calorie recipes. Thanks for sharing it!
Erin says
Thanks for popping over! I make this recipe all the time since it freezes so well!
Nikki says
We love meatloaf and I've kind of finally mastered the ingredients that the entire family loves. In fact this is Levi's favorite meal. But I've never tried it with ground turkey, your recipe sounds delicious, I'm going to try it. And I love that you've added flax seed, I have it in the pantry but I've never thought about adding it, what a great addition. Definitely adding it next time instead of gluten free breadcrumbs. Thanks so much!
Erin says
I love meatloaf too! I know you're gluten-free so I hope this recipe works well for you!
Ilka says
Meatloaf - the ultimate classic comfort food! My favorite one is actually Turkey Meatloaf. I love how you upgraded the classic meatloaf recipe to a very healthy alternative. Love it.
Angela says
Love this healthy version of meatloaf! I am always looking for homemade meals that can be frozen and ready to go for busy week nights, so making the mini loafs is perfect, pinning the recipe to try next week 🙂 Thank you for sharing this in the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up. Have a Great Week!!