How Long to Cook Turkey Meatloaf at 375°F for Perfectly Juicy Results

Turkey meatloaf can be a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. But getting the cook time just right is essential for turkey meatloaf that is fully cooked yet still moist and tender. So how long should you bake turkey meatloaf at 375°F? Let’s take a closer look.

Why 375°F is the Ideal Temperature for Turkey Meatloaf

Cooking turkey meatloaf at 375°F is ideal for several reasons

• It’s high enough to ensure the ground turkey is cooked through to a safe internal temperature. Ground poultry like turkey should reach 165°F.

• It’s low enough to prevent the turkey from drying out as it bakes Turkey meat is leaner than beef so keeping moisture is crucial

• 375°F allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, and veggies to bind together properly.

• You get an evenly baked meatloaf without burnt edges or undercooked centers.

Higher temperatures like 400°F may seem tempting for faster cooking. But this risks drying out the turkey meatloaf. Lower oven temperatures like 350°F will take too long for the inside to reach the proper internal temp.

So 375°F hits that ideal mark for cooking turkey meatloaf thoroughly without making it tough and dry.

How Long to Bake 1 lb Turkey Meatloaf at 375°F

For a 1 pound turkey meatloaf, the baking time at 375°F is approximately 45-55 minutes. This allows time for the center to reach 165°F.

Follow these steps for perfect 1 lb turkey meatloaf baked at 375°F:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Combine ground turkey with eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, seasoning, etc.

• Pack mixture into a loaf pan and smooth top.

• Bake for 45-55 minutes until instant read thermometer inserted in center reads 165°F.

• Remove from oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

The actual time may vary based on the shape and thickness of your meatloaf. Checking temperature is the best way to prevent undercooked turkey.

How Long to Cook 2 lb Turkey Meatloaf at 375°F

When you double the recipe to make a 2 pound turkey meatloaf, the bake time will need to increase. Figure 60-70 minutes for a 2 lb meatloaf to fully cook at 375°F.

Again, use an instant read thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time. The temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part.

Let the 2 lb meatloaf rest at least 5 minutes before slicing just like the smaller version. This allows the juices to redistribute so your slices don’t dry out.

Tips for Extra Moist and Flavorful Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf can easily turn out dry if overcooked. Here are some tips for keeping your turkey meatloaf extra moist and delicious:

• Use 85% lean ground turkey. The higher fat content adds flavor and moisture. Extra lean turkey dries out more easily.

• Add milk or yogurt. Dairy ingredients boost moisture in turkey meatloaf.

• Cook onions first. Sauteing onions and garlic before adding to meatloaf adds extra flavor.

• Mix in cheese. Cubed cheddar, mozzarella or feta add juiciness.

• Include fresh herbs. parsley, basil, oregano add flavor without drying meatloaf out.

• Brush ketchup glaze on top. Ketchup or barbecue sauce keep meatloaf tender. Apply in last 15 minutes of baking.

• Wrap in bacon. Bacon releases fat and seals in moisture to prevent drying out.

• Don’t pack meatloaf too tightly. Overhandling the meat can make meatloaf dense.

Follow these tips and your turkey meatloaf is guaranteed to be juicy perfection.

Common Turkey Meatloaf Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes that result in dry, bland turkey meatloaf. Watch out for these common errors:

• Overbaking – Cook time often gets extended thinking this ensures doneness. But it dries out turkey meat.

• No glaze or sauce – Ketchup, barbecue sauce or gravy on top keeps meatloaf from drying as it bakes.

• Using extra lean turkey – Meat that is 99% fat free won’t have enough moisture. Go for 85%.

• Not letting it rest – Slicing meatloaf immediately causes juices to run out. Always let rest 5-10 minutes.

• Underseasoning – Turkey needs added flavor from salt, pepper, herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to amp up seasoning.

• Compacting meat too much – Overhandling and compressing meat makes meatloaf dense.

• Wrong size pan – If pan is too large, meatloaf will cook unevenly and dry out on edges. Use close-fitting pan.

Be mindful of these common pitfalls and you’ll get tender, flavorful results every time with your turkey meatloaf.

Testing Doneness of Turkey Meatloaf

Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness in turkey meatloaf. Unlike beef, you cannot check by visual color since properly cooked turkey will still be light pink inside.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf, avoiding contact with the pan. Ground turkey is safely cooked at 165°F.

If it hasn’t reached the target temp, return meatloaf to oven for 5-10 more minutes until done. Double check temperature in a different spot.

Let turkey meatloaf rest at least 5 minutes once removed from the oven before cutting. This allows carryover cooking to finish and juices to redistribute.

Slice your turkey meatloaf and enjoy the juicy, fully cooked results! Proper cook time and temperature is the key.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf makes a satisfying entree. Pair it with these tasty side dishes:

• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Rice or couscous
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus
• Green salad or coleslaw
• Dinner rolls or biscuits

For extra flavor, serve turkey meatloaf with gravy, mushroom sauce, or caramelized onions on top.

Leftover turkey meatloaf also shines in sandwiches, topped with cheese, ketchup, or ranch dressing. Or crumble it into pasta dishes, soup, or casseroles for a protein and flavor boost.

By mastering the perfect cook time, your turkey meatloaf will be a new family favorite. Follow proper technique for baking and testing doneness, and you’ll achieve ideal results every time. Moist, savory turkey meatloaf can be on your dinner table with delicious simplicity.