Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and creamy, naturally sweet mashed potatoes. The pork meatballs are tender and…
By Emily
•
•
Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, read later.
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and creamy, naturally sweet mashed potatoes. The pork meatballs are tender and seasoned just right, making every bite a little burst of savory goodness. The sweet potato mash adds a lovely, smooth contrast that’s both hearty and a bit sweet, making this dish a balanced and cozy option for any day.
I love making this meal because it feels like a little hug on a plate. The meatballs are simple to prepare but deliver big on flavor, and the sweet potato mash is my favorite twist on regular mashed potatoes—it’s sweet, smooth, and just a touch buttery. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a bright pop of color and flavor. It’s a dish that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan with a side of steamed green veggies or a simple salad for some freshness. It feels like a complete meal that’s both hearty and light at the same time. Plus, the leftovers are just as good reheated, which always makes me happy on busy days. If you’re looking for a comforting and straightforward dinner that brings a little extra care to the table, this one is a winner.
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together juicy, flavorful meatballs and creamy, naturally sweet mashed potatoes. The pork meatballs are tender and seasoned just right, making every bite a little burst of savory goodness. The sweet
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: Pork brings a juicy, tender texture to the meatballs thanks to its fat content. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, though they may be a little drier. Adding a bit of olive oil can help.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them soft. You can substitute with oats or crushed crackers for a different texture, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Sweet Potatoes: They create a naturally sweet and creamy mash that’s a great alternative to regular potatoes. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or pumpkin can be mashed similarly.
Broth and Soy/Worcestershire Sauce: These create a rich, savory sauce that ties the dish together. Vegetable broth is fine for a lighter or vegetarian broth base. Soy sauce can be swapped for tamari for a gluten-free version.
How Do I Make Juicy Meatballs Without Them Falling Apart?
To get meatballs that stay together and stay juicy:
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently—overmixing makes tough meatballs.
- Bind properly: Breadcrumbs and egg are key for holding everything together.
- Size matters: Form meatballs about the size of golf balls to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist.
- Cook carefully: Fry them over medium heat to brown outside without burning. Turning often helps them cook through.
Following these steps will give you delicious meatballs that hold their shape and have great texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the sweet potatoes quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine meatball ingredients without spilling.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for browning meatballs evenly.
- Potato masher or fork – to mash sweet potatoes into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the sauce and scrape browned bits from the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball option.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mix for extra richness and flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale into the meatballs for a veggie boost.
- Spice up the mash by stirring in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the sweet potatoes.
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 600g), peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook the sweet potatoes and meatballs, plus a few extra minutes to make the sauce and mash. Overall, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Simple and quick for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
Put the chopped sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring it to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well and mash them up with the butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Keep this warm while you make the meatballs.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a big bowl, gently mix the ground pork with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Don’t overmix—just combine everything evenly. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, cooking them in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Turn occasionally to brown them all over and cook through, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, pour in the broth and add soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. If you want the sauce thicker, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
5. Finish and Serve:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them nicely with the sauce. Heat through for a few minutes. To serve, spoon the sweet potato mash onto plates, place the meatballs on top, pour some sauce over, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or rosemary for a lovely touch.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Pork for the Meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground pork in the fridge overnight before using. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better meatball texture.
Can I Make the Sweet Potato Mash Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and mash the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to keep it creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and mash separately over low heat or in the microwave for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works great as a swap in the sauce. For a little extra tang, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
