If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is absolutely perfect. Tender turkey meatloaf glazed with a sweet and tangy topping pairs beautifully with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to share with family and friends, and surely become one of your go-to recipes when you want something hearty yet healthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each item plays an important role in building flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully, from the lean ground turkey that keeps the meatloaf light to the naturally sweet and velvety mashed sweet potatoes that add a lovely contrast.
- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps this meatloaf moist and flavorful without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and keeps the texture tender.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture to keep the meatloaf juicy.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding all ingredients perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatloaf with aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a touch of tang and color inside the meatloaf.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness to elevate the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal note that ties the dish together.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick without overpowering.
- For the glaze: 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – this trio creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy to coat the meatloaf beautifully.
- For the mashed sweet potatoes: 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup milk, salt and pepper to taste – simple yet creamy, these bring natural sweetness and smooth texture to the plate.
How to Make Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until everything comes together – be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender and moist.
Step 2: Shaping and Glazing the Meatloaf
Shape the meat mixture gently into a loaf and place it either in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easier cleanup. Next, whisk together the glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush this glaze all over the top of your meatloaf, creating that beautiful, flavorful crust as it bakes.
Step 3: Baking the Meatloaf
Pop the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. The key is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)—which means it’s juicy and safe to eat. Once baked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes; this resting period helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing nicer and neater.
Step 4: Making the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
While your meatloaf is baking, boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. After draining, return them to the pot and add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until you get that smooth, creamy consistency that’s just perfect alongside the meatloaf.
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few delicate sprigs of rosemary can make your presentation pop and add a fresh herbal aroma. For a little extra color and texture, consider adding a light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra glaze from the meatloaf over the top.
Side Dishes
This turkey meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Something like steamed green beans or sautéed kale adds a crisp, slightly bitter contrast that perfectly balances the rich, sweet flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take your serving up a notch? Serve slices of the meatloaf on individual plates with a generous scoop of mashed sweet potatoes underneath, then drizzle some of the glaze or pan juices on top. Or arrange the components family-style on a large platter for a cozy communal meal where everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey meatloaf with mashed sweet potatoes makes for excellent leftovers. Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to grab a ready-made, nutritious meal during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the mashed sweet potatoes, freeze separately in portioned containers; they might need a splash of milk when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen meatloaf in the fridge overnight. Warm slices gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through, or microwave for about 2 minutes on medium power. Reheat mashed sweet potatoes on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding milk or butter as needed to refresh the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and has a similar texture, though turkey tends to be a bit leaner. Just watch the moisture and consider adding a splash more milk if needed.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you want a gluten-free or more wholesome option, rolled oats or crushed crackers can work great as binders in your meatloaf. They soak up moisture and help keep the loaf tender.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), your meatloaf is perfectly cooked and juicy.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Yes! Finely grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can add moisture and nutrition. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess water from veggies like zucchini to keep the texture right.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! This Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for prepping your lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough if you want a comforting, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner that feels special. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers that perfect balance of savory and sweet that everyone at the table will love. Give it a try, and I bet it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners too!
Print
Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a wholesome and comforting meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Ground turkey is combined with savory seasonings, baked to juicy perfection with a flavorful glaze, and served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and classic comfort flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to ensure the meatloaf stays tender. Avoid overmixing to maintain a good texture.
- Shape and glaze the meatloaf. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create the glaze. Spread this evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Bake the meatloaf. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. After baking, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices intact.
- Prepare the mashed sweet potatoes. While the meatloaf bakes, place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the water and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the sweet potatoes. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the cooked sweet potatoes. Mash them thoroughly until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed for taste.
- Serve. Slice the rested meatloaf and serve it over a bed of the creamy mashed sweet potatoes to enjoy a hearty, balanced meal.
Notes
- You can make this meatloaf ahead of time and reheat slices throughout the week, making it convenient for meal prep.
- For extra flavor, stir in fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary into the meatloaf mixture.
- Swap breadcrumbs for rolled oats for a more wholesome, higher-fiber version.
