Name: Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 20 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 truly comforting about a good meatloaf, and this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s juicy, flavorful, and just the right balance of hearty with a hint of fresh herbs and cheesy goodness that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special.

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 Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of turkey meatloaves, but this particular recipe with Parmesan always steals the show. It’s packed with flavor but keeps that classic meatloaf tenderness, and the little Parmesan kick makes it uniquely delicious every time.

Perfectly moist: The mix of chicken broth and sautéed onions keeps the turkey from drying out, which can be a challenge with lean meats.
Flavor-packed: Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce add depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Easy to customize: A simple base that you can tweak with your favorite herbs or sauces for your own spin.
Family-friendly: It has that classic comfort-food vibe that both kids and adults love.

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

Every ingredient in this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe plays a thoughtful role, from moisture to flavor to texture. Here’s why I choose each one and some handy tips for shopping or prepping.

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: Used for sautéing onions and brushing the loaf for a golden crust—don’t skip it, it really enhances flavor and keeps things moist.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a tender bite; finely chopping helps it blend perfectly into the meatloaf.
Garlic: Just the right punch to brighten flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Bread crumbs: They hold everything together and soak up the chicken broth for a juicy texture. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Chicken broth: The secret ingredient for moisture—skip it and the meatloaf feels a bit dry.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, umami richness that sets this turkey meatloaf apart from the usual.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tangy depth that complements both turkey and Parmesan perfectly.
Ketchup: Mixed in and brushed on top—it’s the classic meatloaf glaze that brings sweetness and moisture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness to balance the richness.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the flavor and adds a fresh herbal note—plus it looks lovely as a garnish.
Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, this herb blends beautifully into the mix.
Egg & egg yolk: These bind everything without making the meatloaf too dense.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust saltiness to your taste.
Ground turkey: The lean protein star of this recipe; I recommend 93% lean to keep it juicy but not greasy.

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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

I love how flexible this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe is. You can easily swap in different herbs, change up the glaze, or even add little extras like chopped veggies to mix things up. It’s all about making it your own while keeping that delicious foundation intact.

Variation: One time, I stirred in some finely diced bell peppers and mushrooms for extra texture — it added a lovely earthiness without overwhelming the Parmesan flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or some hot sauce to the mix if you like a bit of heat.
Gluten-free: Swap bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers, just watch moisture levels.

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

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics to build flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until it turns golden—about 5 minutes. This step is key for sweetness and depth. Add the minced garlic last, letting it cook just 30 seconds to avoid burning. This simple step makes a huge difference in flavor, trust me.

Step 2: Combine breadcrumbs and broth

While your onion mixture cools, stir together the bread crumbs and chicken broth in a large bowl. The broth softens the bread crumbs, creating a base that holds the meatloaf together without drying out. Add the cooled onion-garlic mix to this bowl and pop it into the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes to chill—that helps when you combine everything later.

Step 3: Mix in cheeses, herbs, and seasonings

After chilling, add the Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, dried thyme, egg, egg yolk, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix them well until everything feels evenly combined. This is where all the savory notes come together beautifully.

Step 4: Add ground turkey and shape the loaf

Time to get your hands in—add the ground turkey and mix gently but thoroughly. I find using my hands is the best way to evenly distribute all the ingredients without overworking the meat, which can make the loaf tough. Shape the mixture into a 9 by 4-inch loaf on your prepared baking sheet. Then brush the entire top with the remaining olive oil to help it brown nicely.

Step 5: Bake and glaze to perfection

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Then, pull it out and brush the top with the remaining ketchup—this glaze caramelizes during the last bake to add that classic sweet tang and shine. Return the loaf to the oven and bake another 10 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. I like to check the temperature in a few spots to be sure it’s cooked evenly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing; it keeps the juices locked in.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this turkey meatloaf, making sure it comes out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly textured every single time.

Don’t skip sautéing the onions: This brings out their sweetness and mellows any sharpness, making your meatloaf taste richer and more complex.
Chill the breadcrumb mixture: Letting it cool in the fridge helps the fat from the olive oil solidify slightly, which keeps the texture just right.
Use a meat thermometer: It’s the only foolproof way to know your turkey meatloaf is safe and perfectly cooked without drying out.
Handle the meat gently: Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense; a light touch keeps it tender and delicious.

How to Serve Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley over the sliced meatloaf—just enough to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra ketchup or a smear of grainy mustard on the side adds a nice zing.

Side Dishes

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery polenta for a comforting meal. A side of roasted green beans or a crisp mixed greens salad balances it out with freshness and crunch. I also love steamed broccoli or garlic sautéed spinach to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, I’ve served slices of this meatloaf over a bed of cheesy grits, topped with a sprinkling of Parmesan and a drizzle of pan gravy. At holidays, lining slices on a warm platter with parsley and roasted cherry tomatoes makes for a colorful, elegant presentation everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. Turkey meatloaf holds its moisture well and stays tasty up to 3-4 days—a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I slice the meatloaf first, then layer the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps for up to 3 months and thaws overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover slices loosely with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works too but oven reheating keeps the texture and flavor way better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this meatloaf?

Absolutely! Ground chicken can be substituted using the same amount. Keep in mind it’s a bit lighter in flavor, so you might want to boost the seasoning slightly or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to keep that savory depth.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf. When it reads 165°F, your meatloaf is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Checking multiple spots helps ensure even cooking.

Can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to adjust the moisture if needed, since gluten-free options can absorb liquids differently.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey meatloaf?

The best way is to reheat in an oven covered with foil at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. Microwaving works for a quick fix but can make it a bit chewy.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Delicious Turkey Meatloaf with Parmesan Recipe, it feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I hope you’ll find it just as satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that makes weeknights easier but special, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my house. Give it a try—you might just find your new dinner favorite.