If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze is the perfect recipe to try. Picture this: a tender, savory meatloaf paired with a luscious, slightly sweet glaze that adds a surprising yet delicious layer of flavor. This dish brings all the coziness of classic meatloaf but with a vibrant upgrade. The sweet potato glaze not only looks gorgeous but balances out the savory turkey in such a satisfying way. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this again and again.
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Why You’ll Love Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or making a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, this dish fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Versatile: This meatloaf works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for a holiday meal. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to customize and can fit into any occasion.
- Healthy Twist: By using lean turkey instead of beef and topping it with a sweet potato glaze, this dish gives you all the comfort without the heaviness.
- Quick and Easy: It may look impressive, but the steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. Even beginners will feel confident making this dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this meatloaf is a guaranteed hit. The flavors are rich but not overwhelming, so it’s perfect for everyone at the table.
- Prep Ahead: Make the glaze and shape the meatloaf earlier in the day, then bake it when you’re ready. Easy and stress-free.
Ingredients
Let’s break it down:
Ground Turkey: The lean, tender base of your meatloaf, packed with flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf and give it that perfect texture.
Egg: To hold everything together and make the meatloaf extra moist.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the dish, finely chopped for a little bite.
Garlic: A punch of aromatic flavor that rounds out the savory base.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley give a beautiful herbal note to the meatloaf.
Salt and Pepper: To season the meatloaf to perfection.
For the Sweet Potato Glaze:
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the glaze, providing natural sweetness and richness.
Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the glaze.
Butter: For richness and a smooth texture.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
Cinnamon: A warm spice to complement the sweet potatoes and give the glaze a cozy finish.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now let’s dive into making this delicious, comforting meatloaf:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Glaze: Start by roasting or boiling your sweet potatoes until tender. Mash them well, then combine them in a saucepan with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
2. Make the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Shape and Glaze: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Spoon the sweet potato glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden on top.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comforting meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 310
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze
This dish is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but here are some sides to make it even more special:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would pair perfectly with the rich meatloaf.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture will complement the sweetness of the glaze.
- Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the meatloaf.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of bread to soak up any extra glaze.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Lean Ground Turkey: For the best texture and flavor, use ground turkey with a little fat, like 93% lean. It will keep the meatloaf moist while still being healthier.
- Prep the Glaze in Advance: The sweet potato glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to bake the meatloaf.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to add different herbs like rosemary or sage to the meatloaf mixture for a unique twist.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the turkey for ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit richer.
Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A2: Yes! The sweet potato glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat before glazing the meatloaf.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the meatloaf moist.
Q4: Can I freeze the meatloaf?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked meatloaf with the glaze for up to 3 months. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the meatloaf?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute in the meatloaf mixture.
Q7: Can I use a different glaze?
A7: Of course! You can use a BBQ sauce or a balsamic glaze instead of the sweet potato version for a different flavor profile.
Q8: Can I make mini meatloafs?
A8: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time, and you’ll have individual servings that cook a bit quicker.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
A9: Yes! Finely grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q10: How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
A10: The turkey can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to check the internal temperature (160°F or 71°C) and let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
Conclusion
Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze is a fresh, flavorful take on a classic dish. It’s comforting, easy to make, and full of savory-sweet goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
: This Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf is a healthy twist on a classic comfort food. With ground turkey and mashed sweet potatoes, this gluten-free, dairy-free meatloaf is packed with flavor and is perfect for dinner or meal prep. It’s a great source of protein and fiber and is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 medium baked sweet potato (about 7 ounces)
- 6 tablespoons ketchup (use sugar-free for Whole30, such as Primal Kitchen)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the flesh from the sweet potato, discard the skin, and mash it in a large bowl.
- Add the ground turkey, egg, dried onion, ¼ cup ketchup, marjoram, and salt, mixing everything well with a fork.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup with Worcestershire sauce.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 55 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
If you don’t have leftover baked sweet potatoes, you can bake the sweet potato in the oven or microwave. To microwave, pierce the potato several times with a fork, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave for 4–6 minutes until soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of loaf
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 635mg
- Fat: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 130mg