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BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4.3 from 67 reviews

This BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring lean ground turkey combined with aromatic spices, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with a sweet and tangy honey barbecue glaze, this meatloaf delivers moistness and a smoky-sweet finish perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 2 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅓ cup plain panko crumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend (choose your favorite)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • ⅓ cup honey barbecue sauce (or add 1 tablespoon honey to regular BBQ sauce)

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This process enhances the flavor and sweetness of the onions for the meatloaf.
  2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, sautéed onions, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, panko crumbs, milk, barbecue seasoning, garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat for a tender texture.
  3. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it by hand on a baking sheet to form a loaf approximately 9 x 5 inches in size.
  4. Apply the BBQ sauce: Brush the entire top and sides of the meatloaf generously with the honey barbecue sauce to create a flavorful glaze during baking.
  5. Bake the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf on the center rack and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
  6. Rest the meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the slices firm and moist.
  7. Serve and garnish: Slice the meatloaf and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Using ground turkey keeps this meatloaf leaner than traditional beef versions.
  • If you don’t have garlic paste, finely minced fresh garlic cloves can be substituted.
  • The resting step after baking is important to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart when sliced.
  • You can customize the barbecue seasoning blend to suit your taste, using smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or your preferred blend.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat