Go Back
+ servings
Logo of The Forked Spoon featuring a blue spork.
Close up image of large loaf of sliced turkey meatloaf made with ground turkey, chopped apples, and herbs.
4.85 from 13 votes

Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This moist and flavorful turkey meatloaf is made with ground turkey, sautéed mushrooms, onions, apple, and fresh herbs, then finished with a tangy ketchup glaze. It is a lighter take on classic meatloaf that is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or Sunday dinner.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 224kcal

Ingredients

  • tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small yellow onions - diced
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt - divided
  • 4 cloves garlic - minced
  • 12 ounces mushrooms - finely chopped
  • 4 teaspoons fresh herbs (sage, oregano, and thyme) - minced
  • 1 small apple - peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • teaspoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth - or water
  • 2 pounds ground turkey - 93/7 recommended
  • 1⅓ cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs - beaten
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Fresh thyme - to garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Add 12 ounces of finely chopped mushrooms, about 4 teaspoons of freshly minced herbs, and 1 small diced apple. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms release their liquid and most of it has evaporated, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1½ teaspoons tomato paste, and 3 tablespoons chicken broth (or water), then remove from the heat.
  • Spread the mixture on a plate or lined baking sheet and let it cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground turkey, 1⅓ cups breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until partially combined.
  • Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the bowl and mix again until everything is evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Transfer the turkey mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf with your hands.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup ketchup, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar. Brush about half of this glaze over the top and sides of the loaf with a pastry brush. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  • Cover the meatloaf loosely with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400℉, and brush the loaf with the remaining glaze. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F in the center.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ground turkey: This recipe works best with 93 percent lean ground turkey. You can use a mix of 93 percent lean and 99 percent lean, but using only 99 percent lean may result in a dry meatloaf.
  • Breadcrumb options: Use regular breadcrumbs, panko, or gluten free breadcrumbs.
  • Gluten free: To keep the recipe gluten free, use gluten free breadcrumbs or almond meal and double check that your Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, ketchup, and mustard are certified gluten free.
  • Make ahead: You can cook the mushroom, onion, garlic, herb, and apple mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Or assemble the full loaf, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezing: Bake and cool completely, then slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven with a splash of broth if needed.
  • Mini meatloaves: For individual portions, scoop the mixture into a greased 12 cup muffin pan using a large scoop. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the centers reach 165 degrees F.
  • Internal temperature: For food safety and the best texture, bake until the center reaches 160 degrees F, then rest before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @theforkedspoon and hashtag it #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section on this post.

Copyright © 2026 The Forked Spoon

QR Code linking back to recipe