Print

Healthy Turkey Meatloaf with Oats: Easy & Best No-Breadcrumb Recipe

healthy turkey meatloaf with oats - featured image

This healthy turkey meatloaf uses oats instead of breadcrumbs for a tender, moist texture. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that comes together in under an hour with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to distribute the seasonings.
  5. Place the ground turkey on top of the oat mixture. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh parsley (if using). Do not mix yet.
  6. Make a well in the center of the turkey mixture and pour in the egg mixture.
  7. Using your hands, gently combine everything until the oats are evenly distributed and the mixture looks uniform. Do not overmix.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press it in gently, shaping the top so it’s slightly domed.
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard to make the glaze.
  11. Spread about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  12. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining glaze on top. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
  13. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center.
  14. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  15. Slice and serve.

Notes

Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow oats to absorb liquid. Use rolled oats, not quick-cooking. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. The meatloaf freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, no breadcrumb meatloaf, oats meatloaf, easy meatloaf, gluten-free meatloaf