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Wholesome Turkey Meatloaf with Oats: Easy & Healthy Recipe

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This wholesome turkey meatloaf with oats is a simple, healthy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The oats create a tender, moist texture that breadcrumbs just can’t match, making it a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. If going free-form on a baking sheet, line the sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the glaze by mixing together 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cook the onion and garlic in a small skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Let them cool for a few minutes.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients in your large mixing bowl: the oats, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Give them a quick stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  5. Add the ground turkey to the bowl with the oat mixture. Add the cooked onion and garlic, beaten eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley if using.
  6. Mix everything together using your hands. Gently combine until you don’t see any streaks of raw turkey or pockets of oats. It should take about 60 seconds of gentle mixing.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on your baking sheet. If using a loaf pan, press the mixture in gently — don’t pack it too tightly.
  8. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf using a spoon or pastry brush.
  9. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf. Start checking at 40 minutes.
  10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.

Notes

Don’t skip the cooked onions — raw onions can make the meatloaf watery. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid tough meatloaf. Check the temperature early to prevent overcooking. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Make extra glaze for serving. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, oats meatloaf, easy meatloaf, meal prep, gluten-free meatloaf

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