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Turkey Meatloaf Dinner Plate

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This slow cooker turkey meatloaf is the perfect solution for busy weeknights! Packed with Mexican-inspired spices and topped with a sweet-tangy glaze, it cooks hands-free for 6 hours and comes out incredibly moist and flavorful every time. No more dry, boring meatloaf!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf:
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup milk dairy or oat milk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
For the Glaze:
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

  1. Prep the slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with a foil sling by folding a long piece of foil in half and laying it across the bottom with ends extending over the sides. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don't overmix.
  3. Shape and place: Form the mixture into a loaf shape (about 8 inches long by 4 inches wide) and place in the center of the foil sling in your slow cooker.
  4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Finish: Carefully lift the meatloaf out using the foil sling handles. Brush with remaining glaze. For a crispy top, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Substitution Tips:
Breadcrumbs: Use crushed cornflakes, rolled oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs
Milk: Any type works - dairy, oat, almond, etc.
Cilantro: Substitute with parsley or omit entirely
Glaze: Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a different flavor
Troubleshooting:
Too soggy: Reduce milk next time or dice onions finer
Falling apart: Don't skip the egg and breadcrumbs - they're essential binders
Bland: Increase cumin or add a pinch of cayenne pepper
Storage & Meal Prep:
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating: Microwave individual slices or reheat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 285
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.