Ground turkey is mixed with shredded veggies, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. It’s all topped off with a zesty homemade glaze.
Family-friendly and delicious, this twist on our classic meatloaf will be a regular in your rotation.
Cooking up a delicious turkey meatloaf is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while opting for a healthier ground meat But getting the cook time just right is key for a tender, juicy turkey meatloaf that is fully cooked but not dried out So how long should you bake turkey meatloaf at 375°F? Let’s dive into the details.
Why 375°F is the Ideal Temperature
There are a few reasons why 375°F is the prime temp for baking turkey meatloaf
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It’s high enough to ensure the ground turkey reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. You want to eliminate any bacteria that could be present in raw poultry.
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It’s low enough to prevent the lean turkey meat from drying out as it bakes. Turkey is lower in fat than beef so keeping moisture is crucial.
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375°F allows the flavors and ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, veggies etc. to properly meld and bind.
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You get evenly baked meatloaf without burnt edges or raw centers.
Higher temps like 400°F seem fast but can make turkey meatloaf tough and dry. Lower temperatures like 350°F take too long to fully cook the inside. So 375°F is the sweet spot for baking.
How Long to Cook 1 lb Turkey Meatloaf
For a 1 pound turkey meatloaf, the ideal bake time at 375°F is approximately 45-55 minutes. This gives time for the center to reach the safe 165°F mark.
Follow these steps for perfect 1 lb turkey meatloaf:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Mix ground turkey with eggs, breadcrumbs, veggies, and seasoning.
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Shape into a loaf and place in a pan.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes until instant read thermometer hits 165°F in center.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
The shape and thickness of your meatloaf can vary cook time. Checking temperature ensures doneness.
How Long to Cook 2 lb Turkey Meatloaf
When doubling the recipe to make a 2 pound turkey meatloaf, increase the bake time to:
- 60-70 minutes at 375°F
The larger size needs more time for the interior to reach 165°F. Rely on an instant read thermometer rather than just timing.
As with the 1 pound version, let the 2 pound meatloaf rest 5+ minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Turkey Meatloaf
It’s easy to end up with dry, bland turkey meatloaf if not careful. Here are some tips:
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Use 85% lean ground turkey for flavor and moisture. Extra lean dries out.
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Add milk or yogurt for extra juiciness.
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Saute aromatics like onions and garlic first for more flavor.
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Mix in cheese cubes for added moisture.
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Include fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano.
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Brush ketchup or barbecue sauce on top to prevent drying.
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Wrap in bacon to seal in moisture.
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Avoid overhandling the meat when shaping.
Follow these guidelines and your turkey meatloaf will turn out super moist and delicious every time.
Common Turkey Meatloaf Mistakes
Watch out for these common turkey meatloaf errors:
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Overbaking – Going over recommended bake times dries out the meat.
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No sauce or glaze – Ketchup, barbecue sauce or gravy keeps it moist.
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Using 99% fat free turkey – Go for 85% fat instead for juiciness.
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Not letting meatloaf rest – Slicing immediately causes juices to run out.
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Underseasoning – Turkey needs amped up seasoning for flavor.
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Overpacking meat – Too dense of a texture dries out meatloaf.
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Wrong size pan – Too large pan causes uneven cooking.
Avoid these pitfalls and your turkey meatloaf will turn out perfect every time.
Baking turkey meatloaf at 375°F for 45-70 minutes depending on pounds produces the ideal tender yet fully cooked result. Rely on an instant read thermometer for doneness rather than just cook times. And be sure to incorporate moistening ingredients while avoiding common mistakes. Follow these tips and your turkey meatloaf will impress at dinner!
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
This easy recipe for turkey meatloaf comes out moist and flavorful every time!
- Cook the onions until softened and cool.
- Follow the recipe below to mix with the meatloaf ingredients, then shape into a loaf on a baking pan.
- Bake, adding the sauce in the last 20 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
To make turkey meatloaf muffins, prepare the turkey meatloaf mixture as directed. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full with meatloaf mixture and bake 20-25 minutes or until 165°F.
Ingredients in Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey: For the base, use fresh, lean ground turkey. Don’t use extra lean ground turkey because it doesn’t have enough fat. Instead of turkey, you can use ground chicken. If you’d like, you can also add some turkey sausage or ground pork.
Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs are already seasoned, but you can use plain bread crumbs, ¼ teaspoon of extra Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon of salt instead.
Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, onion, and Italian seasonings are all that’s used to season this meatloaf. If you want to, you can add garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
Other additions – Shredded zucchini keeps this recipe moist while eggs help bind the ingredients together.
Recipe calls for Heinz chili sauce, which is not spicy and tastes like ketchup. To make the sauce for the turkey meatloaf,
Easy and Quick Turkey Meatloaf!! Homemade Moist Meatloaf Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a meatloaf at 375?
How do you know when ground turkey meatloaf is done?
Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
Do you cook meatloaf covered or uncovered in the oven?
How long to cook a 1 lb Turkey meatloaf?
So 375°F hits that ideal mark for cooking turkey meatloaf thoroughly without making it tough and dry. For a 1 pound turkey meatloaf, the baking time at 375°F is approximately 45-55 minutes. This allows time for the center to reach 165°F. Follow these steps for perfect 1 lb turkey meatloaf baked at 375°F: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Can you cook Turkey meatloaf at 375 degrees?
When you cook a turkey meatloaf at 375 degrees, you will get a juicy and tender turkey meatloaf that will satisfy all of your dinner needs. Turkey meatloaf is typically served with vegetables mixed into the ground turkey that will help retain moisture. Cooking at the wrong temperature could ultimately ruin your whole dish or parts of it.
How long to cook meatloaf at 375?
At 375°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 40 to 50 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F. Is it better to cook meatloaf at 350 or 375?
How do you cook a Turkey meatloaf in a muffin tin?
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. To make turkey meatloaf muffins, prepare the turkey meatloaf mixture as directed. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full with meatloaf mixture and bake 20-25 minutes or until 165°F. For the best turkey meatloaf, use an instant read thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do you make a good Turkey meatloaf?
The meatloaf is topped with a 3-ingredient meatloaf sauce before baking. This glaze is the perfect sweet and tangy counterpart to the savory meatloaf. Here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need, including notes to help you make the best turkey meatloaf. Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
How long does it take to cook a ground turkey?
As with most things, ground turkey can be a part of a well balanced, healthy diet. Turkey meatloaf needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. This should take approximately 1 hour for a two pound meatloaf baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.