The Secret to the Perfect Turkey Meatloaf

The Secret to the Perfect Turkey Meatloaf is so much easier than you think! Who doesn’t love tender, juicy and flavorful meatloaf?!

There are plenty of jokes out there about meatloaf but truly, I find it a little sad.  I think meatloaf is totally underrated and can really be a delicious dinner.  I’ve had some really good ones at restaurants and I’m going to admit that despite all of my attempts, it took me a long time to learn the secret to the perfect turkey meatloaf for myself (or any meatloaf for that matter!).

I now use basically the same recipe whether I’m making beef or turkey meatloaf or even when I’m making meatballs.  It doesn’t make the most beautiful loaf but it certainly does taste good, and in my book that’s what really matters.

The key to the best meatloaf is finding just the right balance between moisture and texture.  You don’t want a dry meatloaf but you certainly don’t want it to be a soggy mess, either.  The key? Panko bread crumbs and milk.  The panko is kind of like cheating because you don’t have to hassle with “day-old” bread yet after soaking for 5 minutes it becomes the perfect texture.  Mix it into your loaf evenly and you will have the most tender juicy meatloaf of your life!

Other required meatloaf ingredients include egg and seasonings.  The fun part comes with the mix-and-match type options because you could mix beef and pork, use turkey, use chicken or any combination of these!  Also, some add-ins I like to use include:

• finely chopped mushrooms
• onions and garlic
• carrots and celery
• your choice, experiment!

No matter how you make it, I find meatloaf to be one of the perfect family meals!

Print

Perfect Turkey Meatloaf

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

The Secret to the Perfect Turkey Meatloaf is so much easier than you think! Who doesn't love tender, juicy and flavorful meatloaf?!

Servings: 6

Calories: 178 kcal

Author: Garnished Plate

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey 99% lean (can also use 93% lean if desired)
• 1/4 cup panko
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar

Instructions

1. Mix panko and milk and set aside for 5 minutes
2. Mix turkey, seasonings, egg and soaked panko in bowl until just combined
3. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
5. Mix together BBQ Sauce, tomato paste and sugar
6. Brush over meatloaf and return to oven for 15 minutes or until meatloaf reaches internal temp of 165 degrees
7. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing

Nutrition Facts

Perfect Turkey Meatloaf

Amount Per Serving

Calories 178 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g 5%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 90mg 30%

Sodium 396mg 17%

Potassium 405mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 8g 3%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 5g

Protein 28g 56%

Vitamin A 2.9%

Vitamin C 0.7%

Calcium 2.6%

Iron 7.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Smart Points per Serving (using 93% lean turkey): 6

Smart Points per Serving (using 99% lean turkey): 4

Freestyle Smart Point per Serving (using 99% lean turkey): 2

My favorite side for any meatloaf dish:

Chipotle Roasted Brussels Sprouts