Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

Featured in: Warm Bake & Roast Recipes

This herb-sprigged turkey dish blends ground turkey with a medley of fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives, creating a moist and flavorful entrée. Vegetables like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic add depth, while a simple topping of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tang and sweetness. Quick to prep and perfect for weeknights, it yields tender slices that pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or fresh greens.

Preparation involves soaking breadcrumbs in milk for moisture, sautéing vegetables to soften flavors, then gently mixing all elements before baking. Letting it rest after baking ensures juicy, sliceable portions. This dish can adapt for dietary needs by swapping breadcrumbs for gluten-free oats or using dairy alternatives.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:37:00 GMT
Steaming, aromatic Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf with a glistening, sweet, and tangy ketchup glaze. Save
Steaming, aromatic Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf with a glistening, sweet, and tangy ketchup glaze. | birchwhisk.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 become a staple in my household, loved by both kids and adults for its juicy texture and herbaceous finish

Ingredients

  • Meat: 2 lbs (900 g) ground turkey (preferably a mix of dark and white meat)
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 medium carrot grated, 1 celery stalk finely diced
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped, 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • Binder & Seasoning: 3/4 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (or rolled oats for gluten-free), 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (or dairy-free alternative), 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Topping: 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

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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| birchwhisk.com

Making this meatloaf has become a family tradition, bringing us together around the dinner table every week

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

A close-up shot of the perfectly baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, ready to slice and serve. Pin it
A close-up shot of the perfectly baked Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey Meatloaf, ready to slice and serve. | birchwhisk.com

This herb-sprigged turkey meatloaf balances flavor and health perfectly, making it an ideal choice for any meal

Everyday Herb-Sprigged Turkey

A lighter turkey dish bursting with fresh herbs and comforting flavors, ideal for easy family dinners.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: None specified

Ingredients

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 (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

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Soak breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture soak for 5 minutes to soften.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 04

Combine ingredients: 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. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 05

Form meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 06

Prepare topping: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over the meatloaf surface.

Step 07

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 08

Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional herbs.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (from breadcrumbs), milk (unless dairy-free alternative is used), and may contain soy (Worcestershire sauce).
  • Use gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs to avoid gluten.
  • Check all labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 28 g