Juicy Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze Recipe

Crafting a delectable turkey meatloaf with sweet potato glaze can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Juicy ground turkey combines with aromatic herbs and breadcrumbs for a hearty meal.

Unexpected ingredients like caramelized onions and fresh thyme add surprising depth to every bite.

Nutritious sweet potatoes create a luxurious, golden-brown topping that transforms this classic comfort food.

Lean protein meets vibrant flavor in a dish that satisfies without weighing you down.

Minimal prep and maximum taste make this recipe a smart choice for busy home cooks.

Dive into a meal that promises both nutrition and nostalgia in one delightful package.

Turkey Meatloaf With Sweet Potato Glaze That Balances Savory And Sweet

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delicious turkey meatloaf in under an hour, perfect for busy families looking for a hassle-free meal solution.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Swap traditional beef for lean ground turkey and incorporate sweet potato for a healthier twist on classic meatloaf, boosting nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Hack: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that sneaks in vegetables and provides a balanced protein option that children will actually enjoy eating.
• Minimal Prep Convenience: Requires simple ingredients, minimal chopping, and uses straightforward mixing techniques that even novice cooks can master with confidence.

Ingredients in Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base for the meatloaf, choose fresh ground turkey with low fat content for a healthier dish.

• Egg, Dried Onion: Help bind the meatloaf together and add moisture, ensuring a tender texture.

• Marjoram, Salt: Herbs and seasoning that provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.

• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: Create a tangy, sweet, and slightly umami glaze that adds moisture and caramelization to the meatloaf's exterior.

• Sweet Potato: Provides natural sweetness and creates a unique glaze, choose a ripe, orange-fleshed sweet potato for best results.

Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F to prepare for baking the meatloaf.

This temperature ensures even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potato Base

Carefully scoop out the soft sweet potato flesh, tossing away the skin.

Mash the potato thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create Meat Mixture

• Ground turkey
• Egg
• Dried onion
• Ketchup
• Marjoram
• Salt

Use a fork to blend everything together until well incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Whip Up The Glaze

• Remaining ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir until the glaze is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Form And Prepare Meatloaf

Shape the meat mixture into a classic loaf form and place it on a baking sheet.

Generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the top, covering the surface evenly.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 55 minutes.

The kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.

Slice and enjoy your delicious creation.

Meatloaf Tips With Sweet Potato Glaze

• Use a fork or potato masher to create a creamy, lump-free base for better texture and even distribution of flavors.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the turkey, which can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• Swap ketchup with tomato sauce or barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners easier.

Making Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze Last Longer

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, maintaining quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming and food safety.

Balanced Sides For Turkey Meatloaf

• Pair Sweet Tangy Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the meatloaf's rich turkey flavor and cuts through the sweet potato glaze with its bright acidity.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a refreshing side with mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatloaf and provide a clean, zesty contrast.
• Match Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Prepare tender roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic to enhance the herb notes in the meatloaf and add a nutritious vegetable component that supports the dish's flavor profile.
• Add Buttery Chardonnay: Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay that echoes the sweet potato's creamy texture and provides a smooth, complementary wine pairing that elevates the entire meal's richness.

Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Styles

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace dried onion with fresh chopped onions and use gluten-free ketchup to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Substitute regular salt with low-sodium salt and use a sodium-reduced ketchup to decrease overall salt content while maintaining flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip the egg and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a binding agent for those avoiding dairy products.
• Herb-Infused Version: Swap marjoram with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile and add depth to the meatloaf's overall taste.

FAQs

• Why use sweet potato in the meatloaf?

Sweet potato adds natural sweetness, moisture, and extra nutrients to the meatloaf, making it healthier and more flavorful compared to traditional recipes.

• Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or lean ground beef as alternatives, but the cooking time might slightly vary depending on the meat’s fat content.

• Is marjoram necessary for this recipe?

Marjoram adds a unique herbal flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with dried thyme or oregano for a similar aromatic profile.

• How can I ensure the meatloaf stays moist?

Adding mashed sweet potato and an egg helps retain moisture, preventing the meatloaf from becoming dry during baking.

Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic comfort meets healthy eating with this mouthwatering Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Glaze. Savory ground turkey blends perfectly with herbs and a rich sweet potato topping, creating a wholesome meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Glaze and Binding:

• 1 medium baked sweet potato (about 7 ounces / 198 grams)
• 6 tablespoons ketchup (use sugar-free for Whole30, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Mash roasted sweet potato flesh thoroughly in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
2. Incorporate ground turkey into the sweet potato, creating a uniform base for the meatloaf mixture.
3. Crack an egg into the blend, adding rich moisture and binding properties to the protein-packed composition.
4. Sprinkle dried onion, introducing subtle aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
5. Fold in a portion of ketchup, marjoram, and salt, gently blending with a fork to distribute seasonings evenly without compressing the meat.
6. Whisk remaining ketchup with Worcestershire sauce in a separate container, preparing a tangy glaze for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Carefully sculpt the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, maintaining loose texture to ensure tenderness.
8. Position the formed meatloaf centrally on a baking sheet, creating ample space for even heat circulation.
9. Generously drizzle prepared sauce across the loaf’s surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
10. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the meatloaf to roast uncovered for approximately 55 minutes.
11. Once cooking time concludes, extract the meatloaf and permit it to rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure optimal moisture retention.
12. Slice and serve the meatloaf, revealing a perfectly cooked, flavorful centerpiece.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Ensure sweet potato is thoroughly mashed to create a smooth, even texture that helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together effectively.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to consume.
• Make ahead and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to maintain moisture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg