Dinner

BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

ByLuna Ryder February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This turkey meatloaf is a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Made with ground turkey and seasoned with a blend of spices, it’s topped with tangy BBQ sauce for a delicious finish. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

The image shows a loaf of meatloaf on brown parchment paper, placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The meatloaf has a shiny, dark brown glaze on top, with a slightly crumbly texture on the sides and inside. One slice is cut and turned slightly outward, revealing a light brown, dense but moist interior. In the background, there is a jar of sauce or jam and a small white bowl filled with black peppercorns. A woman's hand is holding a slice of meatloaf. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large egg
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
4 Tbsp BBQ sauce, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the bowl and gently mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the turkey mixture onto the parchment and shape it into a loaf approximately 6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 1½ inches high. Spread 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce evenly over the top, sides, and ends of the loaf.
Step 5: Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Then remove it and spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce over the top.
Step 6: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and return the meatloaf to bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, about 8 to 10 more minutes.
Step 7: Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes, allowing the temperature to rise to 165°F before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion or grated carrot to the mixture.
Substitute BBQ sauce with ketchup or a spicy tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.