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
Scale
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
