Some nights I just stare at the fridge and wonder what to cook. Having three teenagers means they are always hungry and I need easy meals that can feed everybody without me losing my mind. That is where ground turkey comes in. It is simple, affordable, and there are so many ground turkey recipes that actually taste good.

This ground turkey meatloaf has become one of our family favorites. It is one of those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that feels cozy but does not take forever. I love having dinner ideas with ground turkey that work on busy school nights and also feel like good fall recipes for dinner when the weather gets chilly. My kids ask for seconds which never happens with new meals.
If you have been searching for easy meals with ground turkey or just wondering what to cook with turkey ground meat, this one is perfect. It is one of those simple ground turkey recipes that also makes leftovers for lunch the next day. There are so many meals with ground turkey you can try, but this one is my go to when I need quick ground turkey recipes that make everyone happy.
Whether you are looking for supper ideas with ground turkey, easy recipes ground turkey, or just new things to make with ground turkey, this meatloaf checks all the boxes. It is one of those turkey ground meat recipes that feels homemade without all the stress. If you are stuck asking what to make with ground turkey, give this one a try. It is easy, filling, and definitely one of the best ground turkey meal ideas for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 half cup milk
- 1 half cup ketchup, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 half teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish if you want
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Turn your oven to 375°F. If you have a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper or spray it with oil so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Mix everything together

In a big bowl put in the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasonings. I like to use my hands to mix because it gets everything together better. Try not to squish it too much or the meatloaf can come out tough.
Step 3: Shape the loaf

Press the meat mixture into your pan and smooth the top. Spread some extra ketchup on top because that is the best part.
Step 4: Bake it
Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. Check that the inside reaches 165°F so you know it is safe to eat.
Step 5: Let it rest and serve

Take it out and let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in and makes the slices hold together better. Sprinkle parsley if you want it to look a little fancy.
Mom Tips and Fun Variations
- If you want a different taste, try BBQ sauce on top instead of ketchup.
- Sometimes I sneak shredded carrots or zucchini in the mix. My kids do not even notice.
- You can also make mini meatloaves in a muffin tin. They cook faster and are super fun for the kids.
This ground turkey meatloaf is one of those dinners that just works. It is simple, it is cozy, and it makes everyone happy at the table. The kids eat it without a fuss, my husband always goes for seconds, and I get to feel like I actually nailed dinner after a long day.
FAQs About Ground Turkey Meatloaf
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes you can. Ground beef works fine but I like ground turkey because it feels lighter and it is one of those simple ground turkey recipes that still tastes cozy.
How do I keep my turkey meatloaf from getting dry?
Do not overmix the meat. Also adding milk, ketchup, and eggs keeps it juicy. Letting it rest before slicing helps too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix it all together in the morning, keep it in the fridge, and then bake at dinner time. Sometimes I even bake it early and just warm it up later.
Can I freeze ground turkey meatloaf?
Yes. You can freeze before baking or after. Just wrap it tight and it will last a couple months.
Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe Card

Ground Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian style
- 1 small onion , finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
- In a large bowl mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Use your hands to gently mix until combined. Do not mash it too much.
Step 3: Shape the loaf
- Put the mixture into the loaf pan and press it down. Spread extra ketchup on top for that yummy glaze.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until inside temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. Garnish with parsley if you like.
Notes
Tips
- Do not overmix the meat or it can get tough.
- Let it rest after baking so the juices stay in.
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later.
Variations
- Swap the ketchup glaze with BBQ sauce for smoky flavor.
- Add shredded carrots or zucchini for sneaky veggies.
- Use a muffin tin to make mini meatloaves that cook faster and are fun for kids.
- Mix in shredded cheese for an extra gooey surprise inside.
Family dinners do not have to be stressful. This ground turkey meatloaf proves it. It is one of those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that I keep coming back to again and again. My three teenagers eat it without complaints which is a miracle some nights. It is cozy, filling, and simple enough for busy evenings.
When you are stuck wondering what to cook with turkey ground meat, this is the answer. There are so many ground turkey recipes out there, but this one feels like home. It is one of those good fall recipes for dinner when the air feels chilly and everyone wants comfort food. Plus it works great for leftovers, so I get a little break the next day too.
If you are looking for dinner ideas with ground turkey or just easy meals with ground turkey that the whole family will actually eat, then this one is a must try. It checks all the boxes for quick ground turkey recipes and simple ground turkey recipes that save time but still taste amazing.
There are so many meals with ground turkey and things to make with ground turkey, but this one is my favorite. It is one of those ground turkey dinner ideas that never fails me. So next time you need turkey ground meat recipes or supper ideas with ground turkey, just make this meatloaf. It is one of those ground turkey meal ideas that feels like comfort and love on a plate. Truly one of the best recipes using ground turkey for any busy mom.
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