If you are looking for a comforting dinner that combines wholesome flavors and vibrant colors, this Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. It blends lean ground turkey seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices into a tender, juicy meatloaf, perfectly paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes that bring natural sweetness and velvety texture. Whether you are cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the satisfying taste, ideal texture, and inviting color that make this dish so special.
- Ground turkey (1 1/2 pounds): The lean protein base that keeps the meatloaf light but flavorful.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Help bind the meatloaf and give it a nice structure without dryness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the natural glue that holds everything together perfectly.
- Finely diced onion (1/2 cup): Infuses the meatloaf with subtle sweetness and depth.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds an irresistible aroma and boosts flavor complexity.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons for topping): Balances tanginess and sweetness both inside and on top.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces umami richness that enhances the turkey’s natural flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle, warming kick.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness for extra depth.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy herbaceous note to the mix.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Freshens the meatloaf with a bright, green touch.
- Sweet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cubed): The star of the side, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Enriches the mashed sweet potatoes with velvety smoothness.
- Milk or cream (1/4 cup): Makes the sweet potato mash luxuriously creamy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season the sweet potatoes perfectly to balance sweetness.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things simple and prevent sticking. In a large bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about one minute. This soaking step is critical because it ensures the meatloaf remains moist and tender instead of dry and crumbly.
Step 2: Combine Meatloaf Ingredients
Now, add the lean ground turkey, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, so a light touch here is key to juicy meatloaf.
Step 3: Shape and Top the Meatloaf
Shape the seasoned mixture into a loaf shape and place it in your prepared pan or on the lined baking sheet. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a beautifully caramelized glaze that adds both moisture and flavor during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the meatloaf for 45 to 55 minutes. The secret to knowing it’s done is checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the turkey is fully cooked yet remains juicy.
Step 5: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
While your meatloaf is baking, place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook them for 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain well, then mash them with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This luscious mash perfectly complements the savory meatloaf.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
After the meatloaf is done baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout, making each slice tender and moist. Then slice and serve alongside a generous scoop of those heavenly mashed sweet potatoes.
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of a tangy mustard sauce. A little sprinkle of smoked paprika on the mashed sweet potatoes can also add a pop of color and subtle spice that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own, but if you want to add something fresh and light, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans tossed with a squeeze of lemon juice are excellent choices. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale will also complement the flavors while adding nutritional greens to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the turkey meatloaf into neat individual portions and plate with a neat quenelle of mashed sweet potatoes alongside steamed veggies. You can also serve the meatloaf in thick sandwich slices on toasted whole-grain bread with a smear of ketchup or mustard for a delicious lunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Keep the meatloaf and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making for easy, comforting meals later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap slices of meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. Mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen too, just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Frozen, they maintain much of their texture and flavor, perfect for cozy, quick dinners.
Reheating
Reheat your meatloaf slices gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to preserve moisture. The mashed sweet potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk or in a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep them creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the milk and butter in the mashed sweet potatoes for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free margarine. The rest of the meatloaf ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making this meal adaptable to dietary preferences.
What if I don’t have ground turkey?
You can use lean ground chicken or a mix of ground beef and pork if you prefer. Keep in mind that the fat content will change slightly, which may affect the texture, but the spices and seasonings will still deliver fantastic flavor.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix and shape the meatloaf the day before, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, simply bake it as directed. You can also cook the sweet potatoes ahead and store them in the fridge, reheating just before serving.
What can I do with leftover mashed sweet potatoes?
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Use them as a filling for sweet potato pancakes, add them to soups for natural sweetness, or mix with eggs to make breakfast hash browns. They also freeze well for future use.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinners to share with friends and family. It’s straightforward to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and brings a delightful balance of savory and sweet to the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it time and time again!
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Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a wholesome and comforting dinner option made with lean ground turkey, seasoned with smoky spices and herbs, baked to perfection, and served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes. It’s a healthy twist on a classic meatloaf that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup plus 2 tablespoons for topping
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Soak breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk and let them soak for 1 minute to soften, which helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: Add the ground turkey, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and optional fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Shape and top meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared baking pan or on the baking sheet. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup evenly over the top for a flavorful glaze.
- Bake meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash sweet potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly, then mash them with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, then slice and serve warm alongside the mashed sweet potatoes.
Notes
- For extra moisture, avoid overmixing the meatloaf as it can make the texture dense.
- Using ground turkey with a small percentage of fat (not extra lean) yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Sweet potatoes can be mashed ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
