Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze
If you love all the flavors of Thanksgiving, you’re going to love this Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf! Made with ground turkey, savory Stove Top turkey stuffing, and a sweet and tangy whole berry cranberry glaze, this easy slow cooker meatloaf tastes like Thanksgiving dinner in one delicious slice.
It’s an especially great recipe for a cozy fall dinner when you want those classic Thanksgiving flavors without making an entire holiday meal.
Making a meatloaf in the crock pot sounds a little wild, but I promise it’s so juicy and delicious! I have a classic crock pot meatloaf recipe in my cookbook The Stress Free Slow Cooker and I made this Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf in the crock pot- if you’d like to try that recipe as well.
Want to make this in the oven instead? Substitute ground turkey in this Stove Top Stuffing Oven Baked Meatloaf recipe.
The key to making meatloaf in your slow cooker is lining the inside with parchment paper first. This lifts the meatloaf out and lets you transfer it to a platter so easily.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Meatloaf
This turkey meatloaf is one of those recipes that tastes much more complicated than it actually is.
The stuffing mix takes the place of traditional breadcrumbs and adds tons of savory Thanksgiving flavor. The ground turkey keeps the meatloaf lighter, while the cranberry glaze adds the perfect sweet-tart contrast.
Plus, there’s no need to brown the meatloaf first. Just mix, shape, glaze, and let the slow cooker do the work!
Here’s why this recipe is so good:
- Easy slow cooker recipe – Let the crock pot do most of the work.
- Thanksgiving flavors – Turkey, stuffing, poultry seasoning, and cranberry all come together beautifully. Not a fan of traditional Thanksgiving turkey? Make this for Thanksgiving dinner!
- No breadcrumbs needed – Stove Top stuffing acts as the binder and seasoning.
- Moist and tender – The stuffing and broth help keep the ground turkey from drying out.
- Easy to remove – A parchment paper sling makes lifting the meatloaf out of the crock pot simple.
- Perfect for fall – It’s cozy comfort food with all the flavors of the holidays.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatloaf
Ground turkey: I recommend using 2 pounds of ground turkey. You can use either 93% lean or a slightly leaner variety.
Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix: The stuffing mix takes the place of breadcrumbs while adding savory herbs and classic Thanksgiving flavor.
Chicken or turkey broth: This softens the stuffing and adds moisture to the meatloaf.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together.
Onion: Finely diced onion adds flavor and moisture.
Poultry seasoning: A little extra poultry seasoning really brings home that Thanksgiving flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Just enough to season the meatloaf.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory, umami flavor.
For the Cranberry Glaze
Whole berry cranberry sauce: This is my favorite choice for the glaze because the berries add little pops of cranberry throughout the topping. Jellied cranberry sauce can also be used if you prefer a smooth glaze.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
Dijon mustard: The tanginess balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Orange juice and zest: This brightens the cranberry glaze and pairs beautifully with turkey.
Poultry seasoning: Adds another layer of Thanksgiving flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
1. Soften the stuffing
Add the Stove Top turkey stuffing mix and broth to a large bowl. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
The stuffing should absorb the broth and soften before you add the remaining ingredients.
2. Make the meatloaf mixture
Add the ground turkey, eggs, diced onion, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the softened stuffing.
Gently mix everything together until combined.
Try not to overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing can make the finished meatloaf dense instead of tender.
3. Add Parchment Paper
Place a sheet of parchment paper inside the crock pot with over hang on both sides.
This makes it much easier to lift the finished meatloaf out of the slow cooker. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
4. Shape the meatloaf
Shape the turkey mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the crock pot on top of the parchment.
You don’t want the meatloaf pressed tightly against the sides of the slow cooker. Leaving a little space around it allows the heat to circulate.
5. Make the cranberry glaze
In a small bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and poultry seasoning.
Stir until combined.
6. Add the cranberry glaze
Spoon about half of the cranberry glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Spread it into an even layer, allowing some of the glaze to drip down the sides.
Reserve the remaining cranberry glaze for later.
7. Cook the meatloaf
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the center of the meatloaf reaches 165°F.
Because slow cookers can vary, the most reliable way to tell when turkey meatloaf is done is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Check at the 5 hour mark.
8. Add the remaining glaze
During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, spoon the remaining cranberry glaze over the meatloaf.
For an extra-sticky, caramelized topping, carefully transfer the cooked meatloaf to a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. (optional step)
Watch it closely because the sugar in the cranberry glaze can brown quickly.
9. Rest before slicing
Use the parchment paper sling to carefully lift the meatloaf from the crock pot.
Let it rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.
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The Parchment Paper Trick
Don’t skip the parchment paper sling!
One of my favorite tricks for making meatloaf in the crock pot is lining the bottom with parchment paper.
A slow cooker doesn’t exactly make it easy to get a whole meatloaf out in one piece. The parchment creates handles on either side so you can simply lift the entire meatloaf out when it’s finished.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
This meatloaf practically begs for classic Thanksgiving side dishes!
Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- Mashed Cauliflower
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Crock Pot stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- Roasted Glazed carrots
- Roasted asparagus
- Sweet potato casserole
- Hashbrown Casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Extra whole berry cranberry sauce
For a really fun Thanksgiving-inspired dinner, serve a slice of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overmix the turkey.
Mix the ingredients just until everything is combined. Overworking ground turkey can result in a tough or dense meatloaf.
Use whole berry cranberry sauce.
I love the texture of whole berry cranberry sauce in this recipe. The berries make the glaze look beautiful and add little bursts of tart cranberry flavor.
Check the temperature.
Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Since slow cookers vary, use a meat thermometer to check the center of the meatloaf rather than relying only on the cooking time.
Let it rest.
Give the meatloaf 10–15 minutes to rest before slicing. This helps it stay together and makes for cleaner slices.
Want a caramelized topping?
After cooking, transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet and broil it for a couple of minutes. The cranberry glaze will become sticky and caramelized.
Keep a close eye on it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Absolutely! Whole berry cranberry sauce is my preference because I love the texture, but jellied cranberry sauce will work just fine. It will give you a smoother cranberry glaze.
Can I use regular Stove Top stuffing?
Yes. Turkey stuffing is my first choice for this recipe because it adds extra Thanksgiving flavor, but chicken or savory herb stuffing can also be used.
Can I make this turkey meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf a day ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook it.
I recommend making the cranberry glaze separately and refrigerating it until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Ground chicken can be substituted for the ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but the stuffing and cranberry glaze will still give it that delicious Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.
How do I keep turkey meatloaf from drying out?
The stuffing mix and broth help keep this meatloaf moist. Be careful not to overcook it, and use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F in the center.
Can I make this in a smaller slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll want to make sure the meatloaf fits comfortably without touching the sides of the slow cooker. Cooking time may also vary depending on the size and shape of the loaf.
Can I Freeze Turkey Meatloaf?
Yes! Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.
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Inside you’ll find comforting dinners, cozy soups, easy chicken recipes, hearty beef dishes, and plenty of dump-and-go meals your family will actually ask for again and again.
Get the Cookbook →More Thanksgiving-Inspired Recipes
If you love easy Thanksgiving flavors, you might also enjoy:
- Crock Pot Stuffing
- Slow Cooker Sweet Creamed Corn
- Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole
- Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Turkey
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast
- Apple Cider Pork Loin
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Scratch Made Green Bean Casserole
- Cranberry Orange Pork Loin
- Make-Ahead Oven Baked Stuffing
- Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
This easy Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf combines tender ground turkey with savory turkey stuffing and a sweet and tangy whole berry cranberry glaze. It’s an easy fall dinner that brings all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors together without having to cook an entire Thanksgiving feast.
Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes for the ultimate cozy comfort-food dinner!
Video How To Make Crock Pot Thankgiving Meatloaf
Crock Pot Thanksgiving Turkey Meatloaf
Equipment
- crock pot 6 quarts or larger
Ingredients
Turkey Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 6 ounce box Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cranberry Glaze
- 14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of half an orange plus the zest
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Add the stuffing mix and broth to a large bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- To the softened stuffing mix add in the ground turkey, eggs, onion, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix until combined.
- Place a piece of parchment paper inside the crock pot, leaving the ends hanging over the sides. This helps to lift the meatloaf out of the crock pot after cooking.
- Shape the turkey mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, orange zest and poultry seasoning.
- Spread half of the cranberry glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the center reaches 165°F.
- During the last 20–30 minutes, spread the remaining cranberry glaze over the meatloaf.
- Optional step: For a caramelized topping, carefully transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Use the parchment paper handles to carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker onto a serving dish. Let the meatloaf rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Whole berry cranberry sauce is recommended, but jellied cranberry sauce can be substituted.
- Chicken or savory herb Stove Top stuffing can be used in place of turkey stuffing.
- Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture.
- Cooking times can vary between slow cookers. At the 5 hour mark, check the internal temperature. Ground turkey should reach 165°F in the center.
- The parchment paper makes removing the meatloaf much easier. I highly recommend not skipping this step.
- For extra Thanksgiving flavor, serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and extra cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
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