Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
The Perfect Holiday Comfort Food That’s Juicy, Flavorful, and Unbelievably Easy!
Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and of course, mouthwatering food. But who says the star of the show has to be a whole roasted turkey? If you’re looking for a delicious, stress-free alternative that still delivers all the cozy holiday flavors, this Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf is your answer!
Imagine tender, juicy ground turkey infused with aromatic herbs, sweet cranberries, and a touch of maple glaze—all baked to perfection. This dish is packed with festive flavors, yet it’s so simple to make that even beginner cooks can nail it. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that feeds a crowd without the hassle of carving a whole bird.
If you loved our Classic Meatloaf Recipe – Easy, Juicy & Family Favorite!, you’ll adore this turkey version—it’s lighter but just as satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in and make this holiday season extra special!
What Is Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf?
Ever wondered why we call it Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf? Well, it’s not just any meatloaf—it’s a festive twist on a classic comfort dish! Think of it as a deconstructed Thanksgiving dinner in one delicious slice. Instead of the usual beef or pork, we use lean ground turkey, mixed with stuffing-inspired herbs, sweet cranberries, and a sticky maple glaze.
Why turkey? Because it’s lighter, healthier, and perfect for holiday meals. And let’s be honest, the way to a loved one’s heart is through their stomach—especially when that stomach is filled with juicy, flavorful meatloaf!
So, if you’re ready to impress your family with a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
1. Juicy, Flavorful, and Festive
This isn’t your average meatloaf. With ground turkey, sage, thyme, and a touch of cranberry, every bite tastes like Thanksgiving in the best way possible. The maple glaze adds a sweet, caramelized finish that’s downright irresistible.
2. Budget-Friendly & Feeds a Crowd
Skip the expensive whole turkey—this meatloaf is just as satisfying but way more affordable. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers (hello, next-day sandwiches!).
3. Easy to Make, Hard to Mess Up
No complicated steps here! Mix, shape, bake, and glaze. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof.
If you enjoy this, you’ll love our Thanksgiving Style Mini Meatloaves 🦃 | Easy, Bite-Sized Holiday Recipe!—another holiday favorite! Ready to make magic in the kitchen? Let’s go!
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
Quick Overview
This meatloaf is simple, delicious, and packed with holiday flavors. Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cranberries, then bake with a sweet maple glaze. Ready in just 1 hour, it’s the perfect stress-free Thanksgiving dish!
Key Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean for juiciness)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed stuffing mix for extra flavor)
– 1 egg (binds everything together)
– ½ cup dried cranberries (for sweetness)
– 1 tsp each sage, thyme, garlic powder (classic holiday herbs)
– ¼ cup maple syrup + 2 tbsp ketchup (for the glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix ingredients – In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, cranberries, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape & bake – Press mixture into the pan and bake for 40 minutes.
4. Glaze & finish – Brush with maple-ketchup glaze, then bake 10 more minutes until golden.
5. Rest & serve – Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
What to Serve With Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides! Try garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green bean salad. For a complete feast, add a side of Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe – Bite-Sized & Delicious!—it’s the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet glaze.
Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
– Don’t overmix – Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender.
– Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
– Add stuffing mix – Swap breadcrumbs for crushed stuffing for extra flavor.
– Let it rest – Slicing too soon? Disaster! Wait 10 minutes for perfect slices.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
– Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
How do you make a Thanksgiving-themed turkey meatloaf?
Mix ground turkey with stuffing-inspired herbs (sage, thyme), cranberries, and a sweet maple glaze. Bake until juicy and golden—it’s like Thanksgiving in every bite!
What spices are in Thanksgiving turkey meatloaf?
Classic holiday spices like sage, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper give this meatloaf its festive flavor.
Can you add stuffing to turkey meatloaf?
Absolutely! Swap breadcrumbs for crushed stuffing mix—it adds extra herby goodness.
Is turkey meatloaf good for Thanksgiving?
Yes! It’s lighter than traditional turkey, easier to make, and packed with all the cozy holiday flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf is the ultimate holiday comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy. Whether you’re hosting a feast or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers.
Pro tip: Double the batch for leftovers—they make amazing sandwiches!
Now, go ahead and make this dish the star of your Thanksgiving table. Happy cooking! 🍽️
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Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A savory Thanksgiving-inspired turkey meatloaf packed with herbs, vegetables, and topped with a tangy glaze — the perfect cozy holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, egg, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer mixture into the loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try mixing in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or topping with crispy fried onions before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: thanksgiving, turkey, meatloaf, holiday dinner