Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
This stunningly moist and super delicious BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is always a treat whenever I make it – usually once a year. It’s so simple to pull together and the Homemade BBQ Sauce always make it extra special. Imagine a slightly smoky flavor coming out of your indoor oven and you will certainly be drooling as you smell it baking.
Halfway through the cooking I always hear footsteps racing down the stairs and I say, “Here he comes.” And then my son smiles his way into the kitchen saying, “Mom, what smells so good in here.” And I say, “Your favorite once a year BBQ Turkey Meatloaf.” Eager to eat it, he asks, “When is it going to be ready?” I’ll call you when it’s ready.
The BBQ Sauce is always a hit so we add extra on the side. What’s more leftovers taste even better and we do BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Sandwiches. Why not? It simply tastes super good.
Try these Favorite Recipes:
Want more wholesome and healthy recipes? Sign up for exclusive email updates. Follow Us on Social Media: Pinterest, Instagram,Twitter, Facebook, YouTube,Linkedin (Please Subscribe)

Baked BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
A super moist and tender BBQ Turkey Meatloaf. It's easy to make and great for any weeknight or weekend dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 30 ritz crackers crumbled panko style (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup milk I used carnation or whole milk
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3/4 large onion diced (or use 1 medium whole onion)
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 hot pepper diced (eg. JalapeƱo) – seeded optional
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust to your dietary requirement
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (can use sweet paprika)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (I use a homemade sauce ) Link in Notes/Summary.
- Optional: Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish.
Instructions
Preheat oven 350 degrees
-
In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute the onion, hot pepper, thyme and garlic for 5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent. Turn off the heat and set aside.
-
In a small bowl, combine the crackers and milk. Mix.
-
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, beaten eggs, worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, onion mixture, cracker/milk mixture, and 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce.
-
Mix together thoroughly. I use my hands but you can use a spoon.
Note: The mixture will look and feel very soft/somewhat liquidy, but will be firm enough to mold into a rectangular shape.
-
Pour the turkey mixture onto the center of the sheet pan – in one pile.
-
Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to even out the top and shape the sides to form a one-inch thick rectangle.
Note: Alternatively you can use a greased loaf pan.
-
Spread the remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce on top of the shaped meatloaf.
-
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165 to 175 degrees.
-
Rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
-
Serve and enjoy with your favorite side.
Recipe Notes
Optional: I usually add 2 teaspoons Hickory Liquid Smoke to the sauce when I make the sauce for Ā this meatloaf. I find liquid smoke in the condiments section in my grocery store.
You can use panko breadcrumbs or regular crackers.Ā