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Meatloaf has always been one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s easy to make, tastes just as good the next day, and is delicious served hot, cold, or tucked into a sandwich for lunch.
As Laurie Colwin wrote in More Home Cooking (affiliate link), “Like potato salad, it always seems to be good. I have never run into an unlovable meatloaf, but I have loved some better than others.” I couldn’t agree more.
My everyday favorite is my Healthy Meatloaf (WW Friendly) made with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables. But when I’m looking for something a little lighter—or need a gluten-free option—this turkey meatloaf is the one I turn to.
Instead of breadcrumbs, cooked quinoa keeps the loaf tender while adding extra protein and fiber. Shredded zucchini blends right in, adding moisture without making the meatloaf heavy. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s satisfying enough that no one misses the beef.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatloaf
- Moist and tender thanks to shredded zucchini and cooked quinoa.
- Naturally gluten-free when made with quinoa instead of breadcrumbs.
- High in protein and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- WW friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Great hot or cold—leftovers make fantastic sandwiches and lunches.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cooked quinoa – Adds structure, protein, and fiber while replacing traditional breadcrumbs. Cook your own or use packaged precooked quinoa.
- Shredded zucchini – Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Yellow squash, carrots, or finely chopped mushrooms also work well.
- Ground turkey – I usually use lean ground turkey, but any ground turkey or 90% lean ground beef works.
- Egg or egg whites – The original recipe uses egg whites, but I often use one whole egg instead.
- Onion – Yellow, white, or red onions all work.
- Parsley – Fresh is lovely, but dried parsley is perfectly fine.
- Italian seasoning – My favorite seasoning blend here, though Greek seasoning, oregano, thyme, or basil all work well.
- Chili sauce or ketchup – Chili sauce gives a little more flavor, but ketchup is an excellent substitute.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet (affiliate link) or 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, egg (or egg whites), chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, ¼ cup of the chili sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add the Turkey and Quinoa
Add the ground turkey and cooked quinoa to the bowl. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 5: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf about 5 by 11 inches. Spread the remaining ¼ cup chili sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Cooked Through
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) inserted into the center registers 165°F.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Slicing
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute and makes cleaner slices.
Recipe Notes
Don’t skip squeezing the moisture from the zucchini—it helps the meatloaf hold together while still keeping it tender.
Packaged cooked quinoa makes this recipe even faster on busy nights.
Like most meatloaf recipes, I actually think this one tastes even better the next day.
Easy Variations
Italian Turkey Meatloaf
Add grated Parmesan and serve with marinara.
BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
Replace the chili sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce (affiliate link).
Southwest Turkey Meatloaf
Add cumin, chili powder, and diced green chiles.
Mediterranean Turkey Meatloaf
Mix in chopped spinach and reduced-fat feta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey meatloaf with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.
Leftover Ideas
One of the best things about meatloaf is how versatile the leftovers are.
- Slice for sandwiches.
- Crumble into tacos or wraps.
- Stir into marinara for a quick pasta sauce.
- Add to vegetable soup.
- Stuff bell peppers or zucchini.
- Slice over a hearty salad for an easy protein-packed lunch.
Calories and WW Points
Another winning Weight Watchers recipe, each generous slice has 185 calories and 3 Points. To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
If you’ve made this Turkey Meatloaf with Quinoa and Zucchini, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Turkey Meatloaf with Quinoa and Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed well
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed to remove some of the moisture (about 1 cup)
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (I used 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground skinless turkey breast
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, line the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan with foil. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees.
- Place the zucchini in a large bowl. Add the egg whites, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, 1/4 cup chili sauce, salt and pepper. Add the turkey and quinoa and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Shape it into a 5 x 11-inch rectangle loaf. Brush the remaining 1/4 cup chili sauce evenly over the loaf.
- Bake until an instant read thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf reads 165F degrees, about 50 to 55 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest at least 5 minutes so it’s easier to cut. Cut into 6 even pieces.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Quinoa grows with a bitter protective coating called saponin. Be sure to give it a good rinse in a fine mesh sieve before cooking it, unless yours says it’s pre-washed. Chili sauce is a condiment made with chili peppers and tomato. You can usually find it in the grocery store near the ketchup, or just substitute ketchup instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: Weight Watchers Love It, Cook It, Eat It (affiliate link)
More WW-Friendly Meatloaf Recipes
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Could I use oatmeal instead of quinoa?
Hi Leenie, I’ve only made this recipe with the cooked quinoa, however I think oats would be a fine substitute. Hope this helps. ~Martha
hi Martha just wondered I don’t see WW advertised on tv are they still in business not sure what the new programming is And Right now just been trying to follow the green program. So after so many years been hanging in there 117 to 123 tops . I need ti start watching some my Dr said my AiC went from 7.7 to 7.9 . Love WW been a lifer since 1979 and love your site.
Hi Ida,
Yes, WW is still in business. You can visit ww.com or weightwatchers.com to learn details of their latest program offerings. Hope this helps. ~Martha
Would this be half cup uncooked quinoa, or cook quinoa and then use half cup cooked?
Hi Candace,
You cook 1/2 cup of quinoa and then use the entire amount once it is cooked. Hope this helps. ~Martha
Can you make these in a muffin pans?
Would you change anything?
Hi Donna, I haven’t tried making this is muffin pans but think it would work fine. They will of course cook more quickly. ~Martha
It says ground turkey breast. Is that the 99% fat free ground turkey you see in packages in the store?
Yes, Sarah if it is sowing 99% fat free it would be ground breast and not a combination of white and dark meat. Hope this helps. ~Martha
Made this tonight with ketchup and it was a big hit. Very moist and full of flavor. Will definitely add to a favorite healthy recipe. Thank you
Thanks for letting us know Sivan. It’s much appreciated 🙂