The Ultimate Turkey Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

Turkey meatloaf is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic meatloaf recipe By using lean ground turkey instead of beef, you significantly cut down on the fat and calories Adding oatmeal gives the meatloaf great texture and soaks up all the wonderful flavors. This meatloaf is moist, tender and full of savory goodness!

I’ve perfected my turkey meatloaf recipe over the years and it’s become a family favorite, The secret is in the prep and getting the seasoning just right, Follow my tips below for meatloaf success every time!

Why Turkey Meatloaf?

There are so many reasons to love turkey meatloaf:

• It’s lower in fat and calories than beef. Ground turkey breast is very lean.

• You can pack in lots of veggies like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms etc.

• It satisfies that craving for comfort food but is better for you.

• Kids love it too! It’s milder tasting than beef.

• Leftovers make excellent sandwiches and snacks.

• It’s budget friendly and easy to double for a crowd.

• You can dress it up with different glazes and toppings.

The Importance of Oatmeal

I’ve tried making turkey meatloaf every which way over the years. Hands down, the best binder is oatmeal. Here’s why it works so well:

• It soaks up all the delicious flavors of the spices and sauce.

• The oats get soft during cooking which results in a tender, moist meatloaf.

• It helps the meatloaf hold its shape without falling apart.

• It adds great texture that you miss from the fat in beef meatloaf.

I recommend old fashioned whole oats, not instant oatmeal. You want those hearty whole oats that willabsorb maximum moisture. Steel cut oats would also work well.

For 1 pound of ground turkey, use 3/4 cup of dry oats. Buzz them in the food processorinto an oatmeal crumb texture first. This helps them incorporate evenly into the meat mixture.

Tips for the Best Turkey Meatloaf

Follow these tips and tricks for utter meatloaf perfection:

Pick the right ground turkey. Go for ground turkey breast which is very lean. I like a 93% lean to 7% fat ratio. Ground dark meat turkey is more akin to ground beef.

Don’t overmix. Gently mix just until combined to avoid dense, rubbery meatloaf.

Rest it before baking. Let the mixture chill for 30 minutes so it firms up. This helps it hold its shape.

Bake at a moderate temp. Around 375°F allows the inside to cook through without the outside burning.

Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F.

Let it rest before slicing. At least 5-10 minutes of rest time allows the juices to redistribute.

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

For a 1.5 pound meatloaf, you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey breast
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp each dried basil, oregano, parsley

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the oatmeal into a coarse crumb texture.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, oatmeal, onion, bell pepper, eggs, milk, ketchup, garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, and all spices until just combined.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top evenly.

5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

8. Serve meatloaf slices warm with mashed potatoes and green veggies!

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Glaze Options

One of the best parts of meatloaf is that savory glaze on top! Here are some delicious glaze ideas:

• Ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce
• Barbecue sauce, maple syrup
• Mustard, honey
• Teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar
• Salsa, lime juice

Brush the glaze over top of the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of baking so it caramelizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the perfect turkey meatloaf:

How do you keep it moist? Adding oatmeal helps retain moisture, as does mixing in ketchup or barbecue sauce. Do not overbake.

Can you freeze it? Yes! Let it cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What are the best leftovers? Meatloaf sandwiches with melted cheese, mustard and lettuce. Meatloaf hash for breakfast. Meatloaf quesadillas or nachos.

What if it falls apart? Be sure not to overmix and allow it to set in the fridge before baking. Adding a panade (milk + breadcrumbs) helps bind it too.

What veggies work best? Onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, carrots and celery are all excellent mix-ins.

How do you reheat it? Wrap slices in a damp paper towel and reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments.

More Delicious Meatloaf Recipes

If you love meatloaf, try these other amazing recipes:

• Meatloaf Muffins – Individual sized muffin meatloaves
• Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf – Meatloaf blanketed in crispy bacon
• Hawaiian Meatloaf – With pineapple, brown sugar and island spices
• Balsamic Glazed Meatloaf – An upscale gourmet version
• Mini Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaves – With gooey melted cheese centers

Make Turkey Meatloaf for Dinner Tonight