Turkey Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze

5 from 4 votes

Old school comfort food made wholesome with lean ground turkey. This method creates a moist and juicy Turkey Meatloaf with a flavorful BBQ Glaze. Leftovers reheat beautifully making it a great choice for meal prep!

Prep Time20

Cook Time1

Resting Time10

Total Time1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Salt

Keyword: turkey meatloaf

Servings:

Calories: 340kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

1 cup diced yellow onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped cremini mushrooms
2 large eggs
2 1/2 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
1 1/4 cups plain Panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder

BBQ Glaze

1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with heavy duty foil and coat the foil with non-stick cooking spray. If you prefer not to use foil, generously coat the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Add the olive oil to a medium skillet and place it over MEDIUM-LOW heat. When hot, add the onions. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, or until translucent, but not browned. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they release their liquid. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, add the eggs to a large mixing bowl and whisk lightly. Add the ground turkey, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, granulated garlic or garlic powder, remaining salt, and the onion and mushroom mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated but avoid overworking the mixture. Pour the meatloaf mixture out into the prepared baking dish and shape into an oval, football shaped loaf. Bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the sauce over the top. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out over the top to the edges of the meatloaf. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F when checked with an instant read thermometer. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve hot, at room temperature, or cold in a sandwich.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information was calculated with 93% lean ground turkey which will yield the juiciest result. For an even leaner, lower calorie meal you can substitute 99% lean ground turkey breast.
I prefer plain panko bread crumbs as the binder but you can substitute whole wheat or gluten free breadcrumbs if needed. Almond flour can be used for a lower carb, grain free meatloaf.
Not all BBQ sauces are created equal. Read the label and choose one that is lower in sugar.

Storing and Freezing Meatloaf

Cover and refrigerate any leftovers within two hours for up to two days.

Freezing Uncooked Meatloaf

You want to be sure you are starting with ground turkey that has not been previously frozen as thawed meats are not at their best quality if refrozen.

Wrap the uncooked meatloaf well with freezer-safe plastic wrap or wax paper and then in heavy duty foil, label it with the date and transfer it to the freezer. Frozen, uncooked meatloaf will keep well in your freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.

To cook an uncooked frozen meatloaf, allow it to thaw safely and completely in the refrigerator for about 24 hours and then follow the baking directions as written.

Freezing Cooked Meatloaf

Slice the meatloaf and portion it out into servings. Wrap and label the portions as directed above. Although frozen cooked meatloaf will stay safe for up to 6 months, I recommend using it within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.

When you're ready to serve it, transfer the package to the refrigerator to thaw for 24 hours. Reheat slices in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Nutrition