If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that somehow feels wholesome and satisfying, this Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together juicy, flavorful turkey meatloaf glazed with a sweet and tangy topping alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes that add a beautiful splash of color and natural sweetness to the plate. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep because it strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort food indulgence and light, nourishing ingredients that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, yet the list remains refreshingly simple. From the savory turkey mixture binding together with breadcrumbs and spices to the buttery smoothness of mashed sweet potatoes, each component creates a harmony that’s both familiar and exciting.
- 1 ½ lbs ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps this meatloaf moist and flavorful especially if you choose ground turkey thigh.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat together and soak in moisture for a tender texture.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture to the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatloaf juicy.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder for everything to hold shape beautifully.
- ½ small onion, finely chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the meatloaf.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a wonderful punch of aromatic flavor.
- 2 tbsp ketchup: Adds a hint of tang and moisture right in the meat mixture.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings a rich, umami complexity.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Gives an earthy herb note that complements turkey beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavor.
- For the glaze – 3 tbsp ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy finale that caramelizes while baking.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze perfectly for that irresistible crust.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness to balance sweetness in the glaze.
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped: The star side dish, naturally sweet and creamy when mashed.
- 2 tbsp butter: Enriches the mashed sweet potatoes with a silky texture.
- ¼ cup milk (or more): Helps achieve the perfect mashed consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the potatoes just right.
- Optional pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm spice to make the mashed potatoes extra special.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a couple of minutes to soften; this step is key to a tender meatloaf. Then add the ground turkey, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until combined. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so be gentle.
Step 2: Shape and Glaze the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a loaf pan, shaping it into a nice compact loaf. Next, whip up the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread this glossy glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This step guarantees a beautiful caramelized crust that tastes sweet, tangy, and irresistible.
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C), ensuring it cooks through but remains juicy. That golden glaze bubbling on top will be a great hint that it’s done.
Step 4: Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes
While the meatloaf bakes, place peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring it to a boil, then cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For an extra cozy touch, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This gives a lovely warmth that pairs wonderfully with the turkey meatloaf.
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the meatloaf or mashed sweet potatoes. A few thin slices of green onion or a small dollop of extra glaze on the meatloaf slices also add a beautiful pop and delicious freshness.
Side Dishes
While the mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect companion here, light side salads with crisp greens, apple slices, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans round out the meal with a satisfying crunch and bursts of color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatloaf in thick slices stacked with a scoop of mashed sweet potatoes on the side or create mini individual meatloaves using muffin tins for personalized portions. You can even turn leftovers into hearty meatloaf sliders with sweet potato “fries” for a totally new vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover turkey meatloaf and mashed sweet potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or re-heated dinners during the week.
Freezing
This Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice the meatloaf before freezing so you can thaw individual portions. Place the slices and the mashed potatoes in separate freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm slices of meatloaf in the oven at 325°F (160°C) wrapped loosely in foil to prevent drying. Mashed sweet potatoes reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to return their creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will give a similar lightness, though turkey tends to have a bit more flavor when paired with the spices and glaze in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. This simple swap keeps the texture intact without compromising taste.
Can I make this meatloaf without the glaze?
While the glaze adds a fantastic sweet-tangy crust, you can opt out if you prefer a simpler dish. Just keep the meatloaf well-seasoned to ensure it doesn’t turn out bland.
What can I add to the turkey meatloaf for extra veggies?
Chopped spinach, grated carrot, or finely diced bell peppers mix well into the meat and add nutritional value plus color without overpowering flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe entirely ahead of time?
You can assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake fresh before serving. The mashed sweet potatoes are best made the day of to maintain their creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about sitting down to a warm, well-balanced plate of homemade comfort food, and this Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe delivers that in spades. It’s easy to prepare, nourishing, and full of flavors that feel like a hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite go-to for any night you want something both cozy and wholesome. Happy cooking!
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Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and wholesome turkey meatloaf is packed with flavor, moisture, and comfort. Paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, it’s a lighter twist on a classic comfort food meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for 2 minutes. This helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: Add ground turkey, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently combine everything until just mixed, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf form evenly.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, put the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot. Cover completely with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly. Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and depth of flavor.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside a generous scoop of the creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting and balanced meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey thigh for a juicier meatloaf if you prefer richer flavor and texture.
- Add chopped spinach or grated carrot to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and color.
- The glaze can be doubled if you want extra sauce coverage on your meatloaf.
