This tender moist Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf is made with ground turkey, savory onions, and a thick ketchup glaze and ready in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Pulling the hot pan from the oven reveals a rich, caramelized topping over perfectly cooked meat. I always turn to this recipe for a cozy family dinner.

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Why This Classic Works

I used to think turkey meatloaf was doomed to be dry and bland until I tried this method. The secret lies in cooking the onions with Worcestershire sauce and chicken stock before mixing them in.

This extra step ensures every single bite is packed with savory flavor and essential moisture. I learned quickly that skipping the pan-cooking step for the onions results in a much less flavorful dish.

Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon tomato paste
2 1/2 pounds ground turkey
3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1/3 cup ketchup

How To Make Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf

1. Cook the onions: Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, pepper, and thyme, cooking for 10 minutes until translucent.
2. Build the flavor base: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and the cooled onion mixture. Mix gently with your hands just until combined.
4. Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to an ungreased rectangular baking pan. Shape it into a neat loaf, pressing down lightly.
5. Add the glaze: Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake and rest: Bake at 325 F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Tips

Do not overmix: Handling the meat too much will make the final texture dense and tough.
Cool the onions: Adding hot onions directly to raw eggs and turkey can cause the eggs to scramble and breed bacteria.
Use a meat thermometer: Turkey must reach 160 F to be safe, but going far beyond that will dry it out.

What To Serve With Turkey Meatloaf

This savory dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. You can also serve it alongside buttered egg noodles or a crisp green salad for a lighter option.

How To Store

Keep leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked slices tightly wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can mix and shape the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Add the ketchup glaze right before baking.
Why did my meatloaf fall apart? This usually happens if there is not enough binding agent. Ensure you use the exact ratio of breadcrumbs and eggs.
Can I use ground beef instead? You can, but ground beef has a higher fat content, which will change the texture and moisture level of the final dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 340
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 32g

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