Easy Ground Turkey Meatloaf

By Rena Awada | Updated On November 20, 2021

Healthy Turkey Meatloaf – a heart-healthy combination of sweet, aromatic fennel, mellow savory onion, and smooth, rich garlic will make this moist ground turkey meatloaf a family favorite. Healthy never tasted so good with a velvety layer of tangy caramelized ketchup to top it all off!

top view sliced turkey meatloaf

It’s no longer a surprise to most people that just because something tastes good doesn’t mean it has to be bad for you! Especially for people who want to cut back on the “red” once in a while, moist ground turkey meatloaf is the answer!

The addition of fresh fennel to this turkey meatloaf not only adds depth to the savoriness, but it is also an antioxidants powerhouse! Combined with the cancer-fighting and immune-boosting benefits of garlic, the quercetin contribution from onions for inflammation, and two “clean” lean protein sources, you’ve got yourself a healthy turkey meatloaf that tastes amazing too!

Why You’ll Love This Moist, Healthy, Turkey Meatloaf

  • Leftovers (if there is some) make great open-faced sandwiches
  • Quick and easy prep time
  • Perfect for make-ahead dinners when schedules get rough
  • Dairy-free for friends or family who are lactose-intolerant or avoiding casein 
  • Easily adapted for gluten-free diets

Equipment Needed To Make this Turkey Meatloaf

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Loaf pan or baking dish
top view sliced meatloaf laid next to one another on parchment paper

Ingredients you will need for this homemade Meatloaf

  • Olive oil – we prefer olive oil but you may use any other oil of choice
  • Onion – any onion will do. We used white onion
  • Fennel bulb
  • Garlic cloves: use fresh garlic and not garlic powder
  • Ground turkey – if you dont liek turkey use lean ground chicken or groun beef. For a ground beef version, please chekout our Easy Homemamde Meatloaf Recipe
  • Egg
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: or any breadcrumbs
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Worcestershire sauce
ingredients to make turkey meatloaf

How To Make A Moist Turkey Meatloaf

Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sautee the onions and fennel until soft. Add garlic and sautee for 30 sec more.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl add the ground meat and the remaining ingredients.

ingredients of meatload added to bowl- eggs, ground turkey, salt and pepper, mustard, ketchup, and breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 375F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Once the veggies are soft, allow them to cook for a bit then transfer to the bowl with the meat. Mix until very well combined.

meatload mixture added to meatloaf pan before baking

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press to get into the corners and take the loaf shape.

Spread extra ketchup on top, if desired.

Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the inside temperature reads 165F.

side shot of sliced turkey meatloaf

What To Serve/Pair With Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

Healthy, Moist Ground Turkey Meatloaf FAQs

Is ground turkey meatloaf gluten-free?

No, not quite, but with an easy substitution for panko bread crumbs and using gluten-free ketchup, then you’re good to go! It is easily adjustable.

What do you substitute for panko bread crumbs in turkey meatloaf?

Luckily there are several gluten-free versions of many products that you can use to substitute for panko bread crumbs. Just make sure they are all Gluten-free options:
Toasted, Grated, GF Bread
Rolled Oats
Crackers
Stuffing Mix or Croutons
GF Cheerios
Potato or Tortilla Chips 
Pretzels

H3: Are there keto-friendly substitutes for panko bread crumbs?

Yes, there are numerous keto-friendly substitutions for panko bread crumbs in ground turkey meatloaf! 
Chia Seeds
Flax Seeds
Sesame Seeds
Pork Rinds
Tapioca Starch
Keto Panko Bread Crumbs
Crushed Nuts

An inexpensive non-discernable substitution is the chia seeds. They won’t change the flavor of the turkey meatloaf but make sure you break them down in a food processor or Nutri-bullet, or they will have a visual and textural impact. 

H3: Do I have to use the eggs in ground turkey meatloaf?

No, but the reason for using eggs in the meatloaf recipe is to bind the loaf so it won’t tend to crumble or fall apart.

close up top view of turkey meatloaf

What is a good substitute for the eggs in ground turkey meatloaf?

There are several substitutions for eggs that will work in this moist turkey meatloaf. Many of these options will be on hand for people who don’t include eggs in their diet.
Quinoa
Plain Greek Yogurt
Goat Milk Keifer
Mayonnaise
Olive Oil, 
Ground Flax
Ricotta Cheese
Ground Flax Seed

You can also use the handy dandy chia seed, but choose another option if you already used it to substitute for the panko bread crumbs. The yogurt or cheese will add another subtle layer to the turkey meatloaf you might really enjoy! 

Other Recipes you may like

top shot of sliced turkey meatloaf

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side view of sliced turkey meatloaf

Easy Ground Turkey Meatloaf

a heart-healthy combination of sweet, aromatic fennel, mellow savory onion, and smooth, rich garlic will make this moist ground turkey meatloaf a family favorite.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 234kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large white onion finely diced
  • 1 large fennel bulb finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed
  • 1 ¼ pound ground turkey 92% lean
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup plus extra to garnish
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • kosher salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sautee the onions and fennel until soft. Add garlic and sautee for 30 sec more.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl add the ground meat and the remaining ingredients.
  • Preheat the oven to 375F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Once the veggies are soft, allow them to cook for a bit then transfer to the bowl with the meat. Mix until very well combined.
  • Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press to get into the corners and take the loaf shape.
  • Spread extra ketchup on top, if desired.
  • Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the inside temperature reads 165F.

Notes

  • Serving size: 1 slice
  • Oil: use any oil of choice 
  • Turkey: we recommend you can use lean ground turkey
  • Bread crumbs: any breadcrumb of choice will work 

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 451mg | Potassium: 592mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 2mg
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