Juicy Herb Turkey Meatloaf

Homemade Juicy Herb Turkey Meatloaf with maple-Dijon glaze on white ceramic plate — Juicy Herb Turkey Meatloaf glazed with maple-Dijon and packed with savory flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners

Juicy Herb Turkey Meatloaf is your new weeknight dinner hero. Packed with flavor, ultra-moist, and lightened up with lean ground turkey, this recipe proves meatloaf can be anything but bland. From the savory garlic and onion to the herby kick of thyme and parsley, every slice delivers satisfying comfort without the heaviness of traditional versions. Plus, the maple-Dijon glaze gives it a tangy-sweet finish that everyone will love.

What makes this turkey meatloaf so irresistible is its balanced texture. Thanks to milk-soaked panko and just the right amount of seasoning, it holds together perfectly—moist inside, lightly crisp outside. Even better? It comes together in one bowl and bakes hands-free, giving you time to prep sides or simply unwind.

Interestingly, meatloaf became a staple during the Great Depression as a creative way to stretch meat with breadcrumbs and spices. Today, turkey offers a lean, protein-packed twist on the classic, keeping it both nostalgic and modern.

Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this loaf brings the comfort home.

Recipe Yield: 4–5 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

For the glaze:
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easier cleanup.

2. Soak breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, mix the panko with milk and let sit for 5 minutes until softened. This keeps your meatloaf moist and tender.

3. Combine the base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined—do not overmix, or the loaf may turn dense.

4. Shape and glaze:
Transfer the turkey mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and shape into a loaf, roughly 8 inches long. Mix together the glaze ingredients and brush evenly over the top.

5. Bake to perfection:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve and enjoy:
Slice thickly and serve warm with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too much can make your turkey meatloaf tough. Gently fold ingredients until just combined.
Let It Rest Before Slicing: After baking, resting the loaf for 5–10 minutes helps juices redistribute for clean, moist slices.
Customize the Glaze: Want a smoky twist? Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce or add a pinch of chipotle powder for heat.

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