Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf

Featured in: Herb-Sprigged Comfort Plates

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf offers a fresh, lighter take on a classic favorite. Ground turkey mingles with aromatic herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives, combined with sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for depth. A gentle blend of breadcrumbs and milk creates the perfect binder, while a tangy ketchup-based topping adds a hint of sweetness and acidity. Baked to juicy perfection and resting to lock in flavors, it’s an easy, wholesome option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, adaptable with gluten-free substitutes and optional veggies for extra moisture.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf ready to slice, with a sweet, tangy glaze. Save
Golden-brown Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf ready to slice, with a sweet, tangy glaze. | wheatsprig.com

A modern, lighter take on classic meatloaf, bursting with fresh herbs and comforting flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite because of how easy it is to prepare and how delicious the herb flavors are throughout the meatloaf.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: 2 lbs (900 g), preferably a mix of dark and white meat
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Carrot: 1 medium, grated
  • Celery stalk: 1, finely diced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh rosemary: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh chives: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup (60 g) or rolled oats for gluten-free
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) or dairy-free alternative
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Kosher salt: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 3/4 tsp, freshly ground
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Ketchup: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tsp

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
Step 3:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sáute onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 4:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sáuted vegetables, eggs, herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined do not overwork.
Step 5:
Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
Step 7:
Bake for 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, dips, and prep ingredients quickly for fast meals and everyday cooking.
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Blend smoothies, sauces, dips, and prep ingredients quickly for fast meals and everyday cooking.
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Savory and aromatic, this baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf looks delicious with fresh herbs. Save
Savory and aromatic, this baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf looks delicious with fresh herbs. | wheatsprig.com

This meatloaf has brought our family together on busy weeknights sharing stories and enjoying a comforting meal.

Required Tools

Loaf pan (9x5-inch recommended), mixing bowls, skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, spatula or wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), milk (if not using dairy-free alternative), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce). Use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 245 calories, 7 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 28 g protein.

A perfectly-formed Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, served with sides for a hearty, healthy meal. Save
A perfectly-formed Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, served with sides for a hearty, healthy meal. | wheatsprig.com
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This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf offers a wholesome, flavorful dinner option that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Recipe Q&A

What herbs are used to flavor the turkey loaf?

Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives are mixed in to provide a bright, aromatic profile.

How can I make the loaf gluten-free?

Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a binder.

What vegetables add moisture and flavor?

Finely chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and celery are sautéed and incorporated to enhance texture and taste.

How is the topping prepared?

A simple glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar is mixed and spread on top before baking.

What is the recommended internal temperature for cooking?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and juicy.

Can the loaf be served cold or as leftovers?

Yes, leftovers are excellent for sandwiches and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf

A lighter turkey loaf enriched with fresh herbs and balanced spices for a comforting main dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Overall Time
70 min
Recipe By Riley Scott


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Details None specified

What You’ll Need

Meat

01 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably a mix of dark and white meat)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 medium carrot, grated
04 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Fresh Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Binder & Seasoning

01 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for gluten-free)
02 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
03 2 large eggs
04 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
05 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Topping

01 1/3 cup ketchup
02 1 tablespoon brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Method

Step 01

Prepare oven and loaf pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 02

Soak breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 04

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard gently until just combined without overworking.

Step 05

Shape mixture in loaf pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface evenly.

Step 06

Prepare topping: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl; spread evenly over the meat mixture.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 08

Rest and serve: Let loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra herbs.

What You’ll Need

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), milk (unless using dairy-free substitutes), and may contain soy from Worcestershire sauce.
  • Use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional info (per portion)

This data is just a guideline and shouldn’t replace medical input.
  • Energy (kcal): 245
  • Fat Content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 28 g