Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf (Printable View)

A lighter turkey loaf infused with fresh herbs and savory vegetables, ideal for weeknight meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meat

01 - 2 lbs ground turkey (mixed dark and white meat)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, grated
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced

→ Fresh Herbs

06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

→ Binder & Seasoning

10 - 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for gluten-free)
11 - 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
14 - 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
16 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard

→ Topping

17 - 1/3 cup ketchup
18 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
19 - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl and let soak for 5 minutes.
03 - Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes; allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard without overworking.
05 - Transfer mixture into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
06 - Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and spread uniformly on top of the meatloaf.
07 - Bake for 50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing; garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Light and healthy use of ground turkey
  • Flavorful fresh herbs brighten every bite
02 -
  • For extra moisture, add 1/4 cup grated zucchini or use a mix of dark and white turkey meat
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version
03 -
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to maintain juiciness
Return