Low-Sodium Turkey Meatloaf

Tender, moist, and full of savory flavors, this Low-Sodium Turkey Meatloaf has everything you’re craving in this classic comfort food favorite, but with less sodium! It’s a nutritious meal that’ll satisfy everyone’s palette. 

Low-sodium turkey meatloaf with a side of carrots and peas.

Why I Love This Recipe

Traditional meatloaf recipes use ingredients like ground beef, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. And while I agree they’re undeniably delicious, they’re also loaded with sodium and other unhealthy ingredients. 

Whether you’re watching your sodium intake or are just looking for a healthier alternative, this low sodium meatloaf recipe has everything you need for a delicious meal. With lean ground turkey and low-sodium versions of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, you can create a heart-healthy meatloaf that’s so delicious, you’ll be like: “Salt who?”  

This delicious turkey meatloaf recipe isn’t the only low-sodium ground turkey recipe I love. Check out my Low-Sodium Stuffed Peppers, Low Sodium Instant Pot Turkey Chili, and Low Sodium Asian Lettuce Wraps!

Ingredients for low-sodium turkey meatloaf over a cream colored surface.

Ingredients for Low Sodium Turkey Meatloaf

  • Ground turkey: This lean protein is the star of the show! I recommend using 93% lean or leaner.
  • Onion & green bell pepper: These veggies add flavor and moisture to the meatloaf. 
  • Panko breadcrumbs: I like to use panko because they’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
  • Eggs: Eggs help bind the meatloaf together.
  • Low-sodium ketchup: A great way to lower the overall sodium content of this recipe without sacrificing flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Look for a low-sodium version to keep the sodium levels down.
  • Seasoning blend: I use a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper for some extra flavor.

Preparation

To start, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Next, sauté the onions and green bell peppers in a small skillet until softened (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Chopped green bell pepper and onion in a bowl for low-sodium turkey meatloaf.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooled vegetables, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf in the prepared loaf pan.

Cooking

Bake for 45-55 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).

Optional: In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush a thin layer of low-sodium ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor.

Serving

Once your meatloaf is done baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Low-sodium turkey meatloaf on a white plate.

What to Serve with Low-Sodium Turkey Meatloaf

This healthy ground turkey meatloaf recipe would be amazing next to (or on top of) some Low-Sodium Mashed Potatoes with green beans on the side. Roasted broccoli or a side salad would also be great options. Meatloaf can go with just about anything, so feel free to utilize what you’ve got on hand!

Low-sodium turkey meatloaf on a white plate with a side of carrots and peas.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Print
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Low-sodium turkey meatloaf with a side of carrots and peas.

Low-Sodium Turkey Meatloaf

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

This low-sodium turkey meatloaf is made with lean ground turkey and low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for a moist and flavorful meal that tastes just like the beloved classic.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Units
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93% lean or leaner)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (look for a low-sodium version)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan.
  2. Sauté the onions and green bell peppers in a small skillet until softened (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooled vegetables, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf in the prepared loaf pan.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).
  6. Optional: In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush a thin layer of low-sodium ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor.
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Approximate sodium content: 181mg per serving
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

  • Author: Jason Norris
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this turkey meatloaf yesterday. I used low sodium Italian seasoned breadcrumbs from Fresh Thyme, omitted the green pepper and garlic powder, and added a bit of water to the mixture. This recipe is actually very similar to the beef meatloaf I have made for decades from a 1950’s cookbook, only this turkey version is low sodium and uses low sodium ingredients. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really like it! And even better–my husband, who may well be the pickiest eater on the planet, and has CKD, likes it!! I will definitely make this again, and look forward to trying other recipes from this site.






  2. 5 stars
    This was a very good meatloaf. I will be making it again. Since I was put on a low sodium diet, I have invested in quite a lot of salt free seasonings and will use them to enhance a little different flavor to some of these recipes. I have found that the money spent on these seasonings has more than added to my enjoyment of a low sodium diet and it has done wonders for my blood pressure.






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