Name: Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 1/4 cups finely chopped yellow onion (1 medium); 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves); 3/4 cup bread crumbs homemade or store-bought; 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup (1.4 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp ketchup, divided; 1 Tbsp dijon mustard; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 lbs. 93% lean ground turkey

There’s something about the comforting aroma of garlic and parmesan mingling with lean turkey that makes this Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe stand out. It’s not your everyday meatloaf—it’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly light, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will rave about.

A loaf-shaped meat dish covered with a shiny red sauce and sprinkled with chopped green herbs sits on a white plate. Two slices have been cut from the front, showing a light brown, moist interior mixed with small green bits. A knife with a black handle lies next to the loaf on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with some scattered green herbs and a bunch of fresh green parsley slightly blurred on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this turkey meatloaf has become one of my go-to comfort foods because it hits the perfect balance between hearty and healthy. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the Parmesan and garlic, yet it’s lighter than classic beef versions. I love how easy it is to put together—no fuss, just great taste every time.

Rich Flavor Without the Guilt: Using lean ground turkey and Parmesan means you get deliciousness with less fat but all the savory goodness.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need are pantry staples and fresh basics, making it accessible and perfect for last-minute dinners.
Moist and Tender: The combination of breadcrumbs soaked in chicken broth and a touch of Worcestershire keeps the meatloaf juicy and tender.
Customizable and Friend-Friendly: You can easily tweak the herbs or add your favorite condiments to suit your family’s tastes.

The image shows a white oval plate with a sliced meatloaf on a white marbled surface. The meatloaf has a smooth, shiny red glaze on top and is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. There are nine slices arranged neatly on the plate, each slice showing a light brown interior with green herbs mixed inside. The meatloaf end piece remains whole, with the same red glaze and herb garnish. A knife with a black handle rests on the edge of the plate, with some herbs scattered around. Fresh green parsley is partially visible in the top right corner, adding a fresh touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe lies in how well the ingredients complement each other. The Parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth, while the garlic adds warmth and aroma. Chicken broth keeps things moist, and the combo of ketchup, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce creates layers of savory tang that really lift the whole dish.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a medium yellow onion finely chopped on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with peeled garlic cloves minced, a small mound of light golden bread crumbs on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl containing clear light chicken broth, a small white bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with dark reddish-brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl holding bright red ketchup, a small white bowl with smooth pale yellow dijon mustard, a small cluster of vibrant green chopped fresh parsley on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with dried pale green thyme leaves, one large whole brown egg with a clean uncracked shell, one large whole egg yolk with a clean uncracked shell beside it, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, and a mound of raw pinkish ground turkey arranged perfectly symmetrical on a simple white ceramic plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Helps saute the onions and adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Yellow Onion: Gives subtle sweetness and texture; finely chopping means it blends smoothly into the meatloaf.
Minced Garlic: Brings that irresistible punch of flavor everyone loves.
Bread Crumbs: Key for structure, they soak up moisture and keep the meatloaf tender; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a hint of savory goodness to the bread crumbs, preventing dryness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami richness and a lovely salty kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and subtle complexity without harshness.
Ketchup: Gives a slightly sweet tang and forms a tasty glaze.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens and freshens the flavors, plus a pretty garnish.
Dried Thyme: Earthy herb notes enhance the overall flavor profile.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Bind everything together for that perfect loaf shape and texture.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
Ground Turkey: The lean protein base making it lighter than traditional meatloaf but still satisfying.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often add a little smoked paprika for a subtle heat or swap fresh herbs based on what’s in my garden. You can also swap the parsley for basil or thyme for rosemary—these simple changes let the recipe feel fresh every time.

Variation: Once, I added finely chopped mushrooms for extra moisture and umami, and it was a total hit with my kids who usually don’t ask for seconds on meatloaf!
Gluten-Free: Just replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free ones or use ground oats for a healthy twist.
Spice it Up: If you like a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the mix or on top before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Onion and Garlic Base

Start by heating about a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a beautiful golden brown—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Trust me, this step unlocks so much natural sweetness and depth. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds—garlic burns fast, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 2: Soaking the Bread Crumbs

While your onion mixture cools down in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes, mix your bread crumbs with the chicken broth in a large bowl. This soaking process makes sure the bread crumbs aren’t dry and keeps the meatloaf moist without adding extra fat—a simple trick I've come to rely on for a perfect texture.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture to the soaked bread crumbs, then stir in Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, dried thyme, the egg and egg yolk, salt, and pepper. This flavorful paste is already mouthwatering before you even add the turkey!

Step 4: Mixing In the Turkey and Shaping the Loaf

Now for the fun part: add your ground turkey to the bowl. I use my hands here because it’s the easiest way to mix everything evenly without overworking the meat. Once combined, shape the mixture into a 9 by 4-inch loaf on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Don’t forget to brush the top with a bit of olive oil—it helps the crust get that lovely golden finish.

Step 5: Baking and Glazing

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, then brush the top with the remaining ketchup for a tangy glaze. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. I like to check the temp in a few spots to make sure it’s cooked through but still juicy.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

When it’s done, let your meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This pause lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays juicy. I sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top just before serving for that final fresh touch.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe, I’ve learned some tricks that make all the difference between good and outstanding.

Don’t Skip Sautéing the Onion: It adds sweetness and depth, keeping the meatloaf from tasting flat.
Soak Those Bread Crumbs: I used to skip this step, and my meatloaf ended up dry—it really helps keep everything moist and tender.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking the internal temp at several spots ensures juicy meatloaf without overcooking.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting it rest prevents all those delicious juices from running out when you cut into it.

How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my slices with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note that balances the rich parmesan. Sometimes I add a little extra drizzle of warmed ketchup or even a swipe of grainy mustard on the side for dipping.

Side Dishes

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes—creamier the better—and some garlicky green beans or roasted carrots. For a lighter touch, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette always works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve shaped this meatloaf into mini individual loaves in a muffin tin — it’s cute, kid-friendly, and makes portion control easy. I’ve also topped it with a cheesy tomato sauce for a lasagna-inspired twist that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for 3-4 days. I’ve found wrapping slices individually before stacking helps maintain moisture and makes reheating a snap.

Freezing

This turkey meatloaf freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. That way, you can thaw and heat just what you need—no waste!

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch but watch for uneven heating. Adding a splash of broth over the slices before reheating helps keep the meat juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or ground oats. Both options work well without compromising texture or flavor.

How do I make sure my turkey meatloaf stays moist?

Sautéing the onions first, soaking the bread crumbs in chicken broth, and not overmixing the turkey are key steps. Also, keep an eye on the baking time and use a meat thermometer to avoid drying it out.

Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil, or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. Avoid high heat to maintain tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and satisfaction without feeling heavy. Making it feels like a little act of kindness for yourself and your family — a flavorful hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it becomes a meal you turn to again and again when you want something delicious and easy.