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Healthy Ground Turkey Meatloaf with Oat Binder Recipe

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A moist and flavorful turkey meatloaf made with rolled oats as a binder, offering a lighter take on a classic comfort food without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup ketchup (for meatloaf mixture)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to hydrate the oats.
  4. Add the ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, beaten eggs, 1/3 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the hydrated oats. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even shape, avoiding air pockets. Do not pack too firmly.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute.
  9. Carefully drain off any excess fat. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve warm.

Notes

Do not skip sautéing the onion—it prevents sogginess. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid a dense meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. For extra flavor, toast the oats in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before hydrating.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy turkey meatloaf, oat binder meatloaf, lean meatloaf, ground turkey recipe, easy meatloaf, gluten-free meatloaf option

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/healthy-ground-turkey-meatloaf-with-oat-binder-recipe/