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Whole baked turkey meatloaf with ketchup glaze and herbs on parchment

Baked Turkey Meatloaf with Veggie Boost

Simple baked turkey meatloaf with added veggies, suitable for diabetic friendly dinners
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey not extra lean
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for moisture
  • 1 egg large
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or whole wheat
  • 1/4 cup milk any type
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup zucchini grated and squeezed dry
  • 1/4 cup carrot grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp ketchup plus more for topping
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground if possible

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough for meat mixture
  • 1 Cutting board For vegetables
  • 1 Knife Any sharp kitchen knife
  • 1 Measuring cups For breadcrumbs and liquids
  • 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment
  • 1 Parchment paper Prevents sticking
  • 1 Oven Standard home oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the chopped onion, grated zucchini, carrot, and garlic to the bowl.
  4. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Stop as soon as it comes together.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and shape it into a loaf. Don’t pack it tight.
  6. Spread a little ketchup on top if you like. This part is optional.
  7. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through and set.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix. Once everything comes together, stop. Overmixing is the fastest way to dry turkey meatloaf out.
  • If your vegetables are watery, squeeze them. Especially zucchini. Skip this and the loaf can fall apart.
  • Regular ground turkey works better than extra lean. Extra lean dries out fast and doesn’t forgive mistakes.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Five minutes is enough. Cut too early and it won’t hold.
  • If you like more sauce, add ketchup on top near the end of baking instead of mixing in more.
  • Leftovers taste better the next day. This is one of those meals that settles overnight.