Meatloaf is an American dinner 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 Meatloaf Recipe
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 need a quick and healthy meal, we make several mini meatloaves and freeze them.
Then I 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.
- Don’t over-mix the meat mixture. That will make it denser and potentially tough.
- If spicy is your thing, add some chipotle or sriracha to the tomato sauce or ketchup.
- If you want to make this recipe quicker, divide the meat mixture into four smaller loaves and cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes.
- We 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 (or olive 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 soy sauce 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 (or ketchup)
- 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 onions soften and begin to brown.
- Stir in the soy sauce or salt. Transfer entire mixture to a large bowl.
- Add the zucchini and toss. Add the turkey, egg, and optional flax. Gently mix.
- Place mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf and place on a baking pan. Spoon tomato sauce or ketchup on top.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until the meatloaf is firm around the edges and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don't over mix the meat mixture. That will make it more dense and potentially tough.
- If spicy is your thing, add some chipotle or sriracha to the tomato sauce or ketchup.
- If I want to make this recipe quicker, divide the meat mixture into four smaller loaves and cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes.
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!
Alo says
Hi! I want to know if you have any recipe for a gravy that could match this meatloaf (: thank you
Erin says
Sorry, Alo. There isn’t a recipe yet for gravy.
Emily says
Oh 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
Thank, Emily! My family does too.
GiGi Eats says
I love the addition of cinnamon and in fact, I would add MORE to the mix! 😉
Erin says
I think you totally could add more cinnamon! Thanks for popping by to get the recipe!
Nicole says
This looks great. Pinning for later!
Erin says
Thanks for the pin, Nicole! Enjoy the recipe!
Sammi says
Yum! 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
We 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
Us too, ground turkey is great and a healthy alternative to ground beef. Thanks for coming by, Emily!
Angela says
I 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
Thanks for popping over! I make this recipe all the time since it freezes so well!
Nikki says
We 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
I love meatloaf too! I know you’re gluten-free so I hope this recipe works well for you!
Ilka says
Meatloaf – 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
Love 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!!