Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

Featured in: Herb-Rich Cozy Dinners

This herb-sprigged turkey loaf offers a lighter spin on a classic comfort dish. Ground turkey is combined with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives, adding a fragrant depth. Aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, carrot, and celery provide rich texture and natural sweetness. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard enhances the savory profile. Topped with a tangy glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, this loaf bakes to a tender, juicy finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it pairs well with mashed potatoes or fresh greens.

Preparation is straightforward—moistened breadcrumbs are mixed into the ground meat along with beaten eggs and herbs to gently bind the loaf. Sautéed vegetables add moisture and flavor without heaviness. Baking at a steady temperature ensures even cooking and a moist interior. Resting before slicing helps keep the loaf intact and juicy.

This dish accommodates simple ingredient swaps like gluten-free oats or dairy alternatives, making it versatile for various diets. Leftovers transform well into sandwiches, extending meal options throughout the week.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:53:00 GMT
Golden-brown Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf slice, ready to serve with a sweet glaze drizzle. Save
Golden-brown Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf slice, ready to serve with a sweet glaze drizzle. | amberoregano.com

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

This recipe quickly became a family favorite when I first tried it for a busy weeknight meal. The fresh herbs make all the difference.

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: 3/4 cup (60 g) or rolled oats for gluten-free
  • Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) or dairy-free alternative
  • 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.
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| amberoregano.com

This meatloaf often brings the family together at dinner, sparking conversations and smiles all around the table.

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). Check labels for allergens and use alternatives if needed.

Nutritional Information

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

A juicy, freshly baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf with visible chopped herbs and a delicious aroma. Save
A juicy, freshly baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf with visible chopped herbs and a delicious aroma. | amberoregano.com

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf is a comforting yet healthy choice you can enjoy any night of the week.

Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

Lighter turkey loaf with fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy glaze. Ideal for simple family meals.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
50 mins
Time Needed
70 mins
Recipe by Amber Oregano Caleb Murphy


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portion Size 6 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What to Use

Meat

01 2 pounds ground turkey (preferably a mix of dark and white meat)

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 (can substitute 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 Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and 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 and allow to soak for 5 minutes.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine meat mixture: In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until just combined.

Step 05

Shape and top: Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, then spread the ketchup mixture evenly over it.

Step 06

Prepare topping: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl before spreading over the meat mixture.

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, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Always check ingredients for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs), milk (if not using dairy-free option), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce).
  • Use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs for gluten intolerance.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutritional data is for info only—consult a professional for health guidance.
  • Energy: 245
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 28 g