Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf

Featured in: Meadow-Fresh Everyday Dinners

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf offers a fresh and lighter twist on a comforting classic. Ground turkey blends with sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, combined with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives for bright herbal notes. Soaked breadcrumbs and eggs bind the mixture gently, topped with a tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Baked until juicy and tender, it’s perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:41:00 GMT
Savory Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, topped with a sweet glaze, ready to slice and eat. Save Pin
Savory Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, topped with a sweet glaze, ready to slice and eat. | meadowforks.com

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

I first made this herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf for a family dinner and everyone loved how fresh and light it tasted compared to classic versions.

Ingredients

  • Ground turkey: 2 lbs (900 g), mix of dark and white meat preferred
  • 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
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Kosher salt: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 3/4 tsp
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Ketchup: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tsp

Instructions

Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
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, sauté 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, sautéed 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.
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
This tender Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf showcases flecks of vibrant herbs, baked to golden perfection. Save Pin
This tender Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf showcases flecks of vibrant herbs, baked to golden perfection. | meadowforks.com

My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this comforting meatloaf, especially on cozy weeknights.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, wheat in breadcrumbs (or gluten-free oats), milk unless using dairy-free alternative, and may contain soy from Worcestershire sauce. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

A hearty helping of Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, moist with juicy herbs, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save Pin
A hearty helping of Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, moist with juicy herbs, perfect for a cozy dinner. | meadowforks.com
Product image
Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.
Check price on Amazon

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf is a flavorful and healthy twist that your family will want again and again.

Recipe FAQs

What herbs are used for flavoring?

Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives add vibrant herbal aromas and subtle complexity.

How do I keep the mixture moist?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk and adding sautéed vegetables helps retain moisture throughout cooking.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?

Yes, rolled oats can replace breadcrumbs for gluten-free needs; dairy-free milk works as well.

What is the recommended cooking temperature and time?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What dishes pair well alongside?

Mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or crisp salads complement the flavors beautifully.

Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf

Lighter meatloaf with fresh herbs and savory ingredients for easy weeknight meals.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time in Oven/Pan
50 minutes
Complete Time
70 minutes
Recipe by Meadow Forks Olivia Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Produced 6 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Meat

01 2 pounds ground turkey (mixed dark and white meat preferred)

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 (dairy 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Soak Breadcrumbs: Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl; allow to soak for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a skillet over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 04

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard without overmixing.

Step 05

Shape and Top: Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar; spread evenly over the top.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional herb garnish.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Always review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, consult your doctor.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), milk (unless using dairy-free alternative), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce).

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutritional guidance is for informational use only. For personal advice, speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Total Calories: 245
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams