Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
Looking for a fresh twist on traditional turkey meatloaf? This Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf offers a wholesome, gluten- and dairy-free option that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The natural sweetness of the baked sweet potato adds moisture and depth, balancing perfectly with savory flavors.
This easy-to-make dish requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. A hint of marjoram, combined with lean ground turkey and a dash of ketchup, creates a delightful balance of comforting and unexpected flavors that’s sure to impress.
Finished with a tangy glaze, this meatloaf bakes to juicy perfection, holding its shape yet tender to slice. Each bite promises a unique flavor profile, making this a healthy, family-friendly recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients
Baked Sweet Potato
A creamy, subtly sweet addition that enhances both the moisture and flavor, making this meatloaf irresistibly tender.
Ground Turkey
Lean yet flavorful, the turkey provides a hearty base, allowing the other ingredients to shine while keeping things light.
Ketchup
Classic and tangy, ketchup adds a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
Worcestershire Sauce
This savory splash adds depth and richness, enhancing the umami flavors for a well-rounded taste.
Dried Onion Flakes
A touch of onion adds subtle sweetness and texture, infusing the loaf with a comforting, homemade aroma.
Marjoram
An earthy herb with a delicate aroma, marjoram adds a unique warmth, elevating the meatloaf with its soft, floral notes.
Recipe Tips
- Pre-Cook the Sweet Potato
Baking or microwaving the sweet potato before adding it to the meatloaf is essential for the best texture. Fully cooked sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, creaminess, and moisture to the meatloaf. You can quickly microwave the sweet potato if short on time, as this keeps the recipe easy without compromising flavor. Once baked, mash it well to ensure it mixes evenly, helping the loaf stay juicy and tender. - Use Lean but Not Fat-Free Turkey
For a flavorful and moist meatloaf, opt for 93% lean ground turkey. Extra-lean ground turkey can make the meatloaf dry, while a bit of fat adds richness without excess calories. Turkey also takes on the sweet potato and seasonings beautifully, allowing each bite to be juicy and packed with flavor. The blend of lean turkey and sweet potato makes this dish light yet satisfying. - Perfect the Sauce Glaze
The glaze—made from ketchup and Worcestershire sauce—gives a tangy, caramelized finish that complements the savory and sweet flavors of the meatloaf. Spread the glaze evenly across the top before baking, ensuring it doesn’t drip down the sides. This glaze is not only visually appealing but also provides an added layer of flavor and a slightly sticky texture. For a refined presentation, apply another thin coat of glaze five minutes before the end of baking for a glossy, rich finish.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
- Roasted Vegetables
A colorful mix of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers complements the earthy, sweet flavors of the meatloaf. Roasting them brings out their natural sugars and adds a touch of crispiness that pairs beautifully with the meatloaf’s tender texture. - Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a low-carb side, garlic mashed cauliflower is an ideal pairing. Creamy and subtly garlicky, it provides a smooth contrast to the savory meatloaf, with a similar comforting appeal to mashed potatoes without the heaviness. It’s easy to make and keeps the meal balanced. - Crisp Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing element to the meal. The acidity in the dressing brightens up the plate, balancing the rich, hearty flavors of the meatloaf and keeping the overall meal light.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef can be used as alternatives. However, the flavor and texture will vary slightly, as ground turkey tends to absorb the sweet potato and seasonings better.
2. Is this meatloaf freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatloaf in airtight containers or wrap individual slices in foil. Reheat it in the oven or microwave for a convenient meal prep option.
3. How can I make this recipe egg-free?
You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to the mixture.
4. Can I skip the ketchup or use a different topping?
Yes, you can use tomato paste with a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or a Whole30-compliant BBQ sauce if you prefer a different flavor twist.
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 medium sweet potato baked (approximately 7 ounces or 1 heaping cup)
- 1 large egg
- 6 tablespoons ketchup divided (use sugar-free ketchup for Whole30, such as Primal Kitchen)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop the flesh out of the baked sweet potato, discarding the skin. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the sweet potato.
- Add the ground turkey, egg, 1/4 cup of the ketchup, dried onion flakes, marjoram, and kosher salt to the bowl. Using a fork, blend the ingredients well, ensuring the turkey mixture is uniformly combined.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup with the Worcestershire sauce to create a tangy glaze.
- Shape the turkey mixture into a loaf and transfer it onto a baking sheet. Spread the ketchup-Worcestershire glaze evenly over the top.
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 55 minutes. Once done, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- If you don’t have a pre-baked sweet potato, you can cook it quickly in the microwave or opt for baking in an oven or air fryer for a softer texture.
