Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a wholesome, cozy twist on classic comfort food, this Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf is about to become your go-to recipe. Juicy lean turkey, naturally sweet roasted sweet potato, and cozy seasonings make this loaf irresistibly tender and flavorful. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, meal-prep superstar, and crowd-pleaser that’s secretly healthy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- Extra Moist: Roasted sweet potato keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Lean & Healthy: Made with lean turkey and packed with vitamins from sweet potato.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Slices beautifully for easy lunches or quick dinners all week.
- Family Approved: Kid-friendly flavors with a touch of sweet and savory taste.
- Easy to Adapt: Simple swaps make it gluten-free or dairy-free as needed.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- 1 large sweet potato (about 10 oz), roasted and mashed
- 1 1/4 lbs (570g) lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats or breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potato
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potato several times with a fork and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 40-50 minutes, until very tender. Cool slightly and mash.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
- Lower the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, ground turkey, diced onion, garlic, oats/breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix for best texture).
Step 3: Shape & Bake
- Line a loaf pan (or shape freeform on a foil/parchment-lined baking sheet) with parchment. Press in the meatloaf mixture, smoothing the top. Brush with the remaining ketchup.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F (74°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice the Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf thick and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes: Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- For ultra-moist meatloaf, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture (Serious Eats tips).
- You can microwave or steam the sweet potato if you’re short on time.
- Try using gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version (Celiac Disease Foundation).
Variations: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf Your Way
- Cheesy Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the meatloaf mix.
- Veggie Boost: Add 1/2 cup finely grated carrot or zucchini to the mixture.
- BBQ Style: Swap ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky glaze.
Required Equipment for Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- Loaf pan (9×5 in) or baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or hands
- Parchment paper or foil
- Baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions: Keep Your Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf Fresh
- Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until hot.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash.
- Brighten the plate with roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple green salad.
- A dollop of Dijon mustard or extra ketchup amps up the flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for neater, juicier pieces (Food Network How-To).
- Chop veggies finely to keep the texture of the loaf moist and delicate.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and mess-free slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes, ground chicken works well and gives a similarly tender, mild result.
- How should I reheat leftovers?
- Wrap slices in foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep them moist.
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, or bake and freeze slices for easy meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50-60 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
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2In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated sweet potato, rolled oats, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
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3Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape evenly.
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4Spread the ketchup on top of the loaf for a glaze.
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5Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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