🍽 Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf Recipe — A Healthy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf without sacrificing flavor? This Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s low-fat and full of bold, comforting flavors.
🥘 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Italian-inspired dish:
For the Meatloaf:
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1 ½ lbs ground turkey (93% lean for best flavor)
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½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
For the Glaze:
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½ cup marinara sauce
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.
✅ Tip: Don’t overmix—this can make your meatloaf dense instead of juicy!
3. Shape and Fill
Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Press it down gently and top with the remaining mozzarella.
4. Add the Glaze
Mix the marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), and Italian seasoning. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for perfect, tender slices.
🧄 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
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Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach
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A crisp Caesar salad
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Extra marinara sauce on the side
📝 Storage Tips
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Slice and freeze individually wrapped portions for easy meal prep — lasts up to 3 months.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Lean but juicy — thanks to ground turkey and mozzarella
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Italian-inspired flavors for a delicious twist
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Family-approved and easy to meal prep
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Gluten-free option: use GF breadcrumbs!
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