Meatloaf is an American classic. This Healthy Turkey Meatloaf is a lighter version the whole family will love, even if they’re gluten-free. No white bread here, so it’s paleo-friendly too.
Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
Nutritionally smart, the vegetables in this Turkey Meatloaf recipe help keep the meatloaf nicely moist {plus the kids won’t even know they’re there!}. And the flaxseed packs a powerful punch since there’s some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Ka-pow!
You have to try this recipe!! It’s gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, Whole30 compliant, and just so darn delicious!
To plan for busy weeknights when the kids are going in every different direction and we need a quick and healthy meal, I make several mini meatloafs and freeze them. Then I just pull a few from the freezer and voila, dinner! This versatile Mini Loaf Pan
is perfect for meatloaf or this banana bread recipe.
Tips for Making a Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
- Depending on your family’s preference, you can make this recipe with ground beef as well.
- I like making these in mini loaf pans. They’re easy to eat, freeze and thaw!
- Add any of your favorite vegetables to pack an additional nutritional punch.
- Freeze your leftovers to use when you need a quick lunch or dinner. Or better yet, make a double batch and freeze one for later.
Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 yellow or red onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoon chili powder mild or hot
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ground
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 2 tablespoons low sodium tamari or 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup zucchini grated (about 1 small zucchini)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste mixed with 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/3 cup ground flaxseed optional, this will help bind the meatloaf
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil. Add the onions, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon if using. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown.
- Stir in the soy sauce or salt. Transfer to a large bowl and cook slightly about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and toss. Add the turkey, egg, and optional flax. Mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and cover with the tomato paste and coconut oil mixture.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until the meatloaf is firm around the edges and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more healthy and delicious meal inspiration? Try these Pinterest favorite Low Carb Dinners.
Can comfort food really be healthy? Sure it can! Try this Turkey Meatloaf recipe and let me know.
We also love this Crockpot Turkey Chili and these Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
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Alo says
May 24, 2019 at 12:03 pmHi! I want to know if you have any recipe for a gravy that could match this meatloaf (: thank you
Erin says
June 7, 2019 at 9:50 amSorry, Alo. There isn’t a recipe yet for gravy.
Emily says
February 26, 2016 at 5:58 pmOh yum! My family loves meatloaf! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party. Hope you’ll join us again this weekend.
Erin says
February 26, 2016 at 6:12 pmThank, Emily! My family does too.
GiGi Eats says
February 17, 2016 at 2:47 pmI love the addition of cinnamon and in fact, I would add MORE to the mix! 😉
Erin says
February 18, 2016 at 5:30 pmI think you totally could add more cinnamon! Thanks for popping by to get the recipe!
Nicole says
February 16, 2016 at 6:04 pmThis looks great. Pinning for later!
Erin says
February 17, 2016 at 9:24 amThanks for the pin, Nicole! Enjoy the recipe!
Sammi says
February 16, 2016 at 10:00 amYum! I love meatloaf! This recipe needs to be made in my kitchen 😉 I happen to have shredded zucchini in my freezer, it’s meant to be!
Emily says
February 15, 2016 at 6:47 pmWe are pretty much an all-ground-turkey house, but I’ve yet to try a meatloaf recipe with it! Thanks for sharing this one – it sounds delicious! Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday!
Erin says
February 17, 2016 at 9:25 amUs too, ground turkey is great and a healthy alternative to ground beef. Thanks for coming by, Emily!
Angela says
February 14, 2016 at 9:20 pmI am wandering over from Meet Up Mondays. This recipe looks great- I have been looking for more low-calorie recipes. Thanks for sharing it!
Erin says
February 15, 2016 at 10:50 amThanks for popping over! I make this recipe all the time since it freezes so well!
Nikki says
February 14, 2016 at 7:02 pmWe love meatloaf and I’ve kind of finally mastered the ingredients that the entire family loves. In fact this is Levi’s favorite meal. But I’ve never tried it with ground turkey, your recipe sounds delicious, I’m going to try it. And I love that you’ve added flax seed, I have it in the pantry but I’ve never thought about adding it, what a great addition. Definitely adding it next time instead of gluten free breadcrumbs. Thanks so much!
Erin says
February 15, 2016 at 10:51 amI love meatloaf too! I know you’re gluten-free so I hope this recipe works well for you!
Ilka says
February 14, 2016 at 12:25 pmMeatloaf – the ultimate classic comfort food! My favorite one is actually Turkey Meatloaf. I love how you upgraded the classic meatloaf recipe to a very healthy alternative. Love it.
Angela says
February 14, 2016 at 2:28 pmLove this healthy version of meatloaf! I am always looking for homemade meals that can be frozen and ready to go for busy week nights, so making the mini loafs is perfect, pinning the recipe to try next week 🙂 Thank you for sharing this in the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up. Have a Great Week!!