Prep Your Pan & Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F / 205°C. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch / 23x33 cm casserole dish or a standard loaf pan.
Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, 4. 0 oz / 113 g of cheddar, egg, 2. 0 oz / 57 g of BBQ sauce, and all dried spices.
Season with salt and pepper.
Using your hands, gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat!
Form the Loaf: Transfer the turkey mixture to your prepared dish and gently shape it into a classic, uniform loaf.
Get Saucy and Cheesy: Spread the remaining 2. 0 oz / 57 g of BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the sauce, followed by the final 2. 0 oz / 57 g of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it's cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F / 74°C.
Rest Before Slicing: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and delicious.
Slice and serve warm.
Don't Fear the Fat: Use ground turkey with a higher fat content (like 93/7) instead of extra-lean (99/1). The fat is crucial for keeping the meatloaf moist and flavorful.