Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

Featured in: Rustic Oven Plates & Loaves

This herb-sprigged turkey dish offers a fresh, lighter twist on classic comfort food. Ground turkey is combined with aromatic vegetables, fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives for vibrant flavors. A gentle binder of breadcrumbs and milk keeps it moist, while a sweet and tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar adds a delightful finish. Baked to tender perfection and resting before slicing ensures juicy, flavorful servings ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Optional swaps include gluten-free oats and added grated zucchini for extra moisture.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:47:00 GMT
Savory Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, baked to golden perfection, ready for serving with sides. Save
Savory Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, baked to golden perfection, ready for serving with sides. | rosewoodcrumb.com

A modern, lighter take on classic meatloaf, bursting with fresh herbs and comforting flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

This meatloaf has quickly become a family favorite, ideal for weeknights when you want a hearty but wholesome meal.

Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey: 2 lbs (900 g), preferably a mix of dark and white meat
  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Carrot: 1 medium, grated
  • Celery Stalk: 1, finely diced
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh Rosemary: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Fresh Chives: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Breadcrumbs (or rolled oats): 3/4 cup (60 g), for gluten-free use rolled oats
  • Milk (or dairy-free alternative): 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Kosher Salt: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 3/4 tsp
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp
  • Ketchup: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
Step 3:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 4:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined do not overwork.
Step 5:
Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
Step 7:
Bake for 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
This juicy Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf showcases a perfectly caramelized ketchup glaze, enticing your appetite. Save
This juicy Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf showcases a perfectly caramelized ketchup glaze, enticing your appetite. | rosewoodcrumb.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to share this flavorful meatloaf, often enjoying leftovers for sandwiches the next day.

Required Tools

Loaf pan (9x5-inch recommended), mixing bowls, skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, spatula or wooden spoon.

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Wheat (breadcrumbs), Milk (if not using dairy-free alternative), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce). For gluten-free, use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 245, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 17 g, Protein 28 g per serving.

Imagine the aroma! This delicious Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf is packed with fresh herbs and easy to cook. Save
Imagine the aroma! This delicious Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf is packed with fresh herbs and easy to cook. | rosewoodcrumb.com

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf delivers comfort with every bite and pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.

Recipe FAQs

What herbs are used in this turkey preparation?

Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives provide aromatic and flavorful notes to the dish.

How can I keep the turkey moist during cooking?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk before mixing and adding grated vegetables like zucchini help retain moisture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free rolled oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What cooking temperature and time are recommended?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What sides pair well with this turkey dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and crisp salads complement the herb-infused turkey nicely.

Is there a suggested way to serve leftovers?

Leftover slices make for tasty sandwiches, offering a convenient and flavorful meal option.

Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

Lighter turkey dish infused with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables, perfect for easy family dinners.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
50 minutes
Total Duration
70 minutes
Recipe by Miles Porter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences None specified

What You Need

Meat

01 2 pounds ground turkey (mixed dark and white meat preferred)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 medium carrot, grated
04 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Fresh Herbs

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Binder & Seasoning

01 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for gluten-free)
02 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
03 2 large eggs
04 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
05 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Topping

01 1/3 cup ketchup
02 1 tablespoon brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Soak Breadcrumbs: Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl; let soak for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 04

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined without overworking.

Step 05

Form Meatloaf: Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly.

Step 06

Prepare and Apply Topping: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 08

Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Tools Needed

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy Details

Go through every item to spot any allergens. Not sure? Check with your health expert.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), milk (if not using dairy-free), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce).
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

For reference only. Always check with your doctor for health advice.
  • Caloric Value: 245
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 28 g