Pork meatballs paired with sweet potatoes come together in a comforting dish that embodies everything we love about home cooking. These meatballs are juicy and flavorful, crafted from ground pork and a handful of aromatic seasonings — each bite is a cozy hug. The sweet potato serves as the perfect creamy complement, bringing a little sweetness to the savory richness of the meatballs. Finished with a rich bourbon maple sauce, this meal is a standout for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato

I discovered this delectable combination on a chilly evening when nothing sounded better than a warm, hearty meal. The smell of sizzling meatballs wafting through the kitchen instantly felt like home. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato that are not only easy to make but also a total crowd-pleaser. Who knew comfort food could be so delightful and wholesome? I can’t wait for you to dive into this dish and experience its deliciousness for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This entire dish can be on your table in just about an hour, including prep and cooking time.
Irresistible Flavor: The smoky notes of paprika and the warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg create layers of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant orange of the sweet potato mash against golden-brown meatballs makes for a beautiful presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner parties, cozy family nights, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable if you’re looking for gluten-free breadcrumbs or vegan substitutes for the meatballs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup breadcrumbs: This gives the meatballs structure while keeping them moist. You can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
1 medium onion, grated: Adds moisture and flavor — don’t skip this!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor that elevates the meatballs.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a lovely smoky aroma and color. Paprika also pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
1 teaspoon dried sage: This herb complements pork wonderfully and adds an earthy flavor.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs, helping to keep them together.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami; substitute with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the meatballs.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Just the right amount of spice to elevate the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the meatballs, providing a beautiful sear.
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish! Their natural sweetness balances the savory meatballs.
1/4 cup butter: For added richness in the sweet potato mash.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the mash super creamy and delightful.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces warmth and a hint of sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds another layer of warmth that complements the sweet potatoes.
1/4 cup bourbon: Enhances the sauce with depth and sweetness; you can replace with apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Sweetness in the sauce balances the savory meatballs and adds a lovely glaze.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick to the sauce.
1 cup chicken stock: Provides moisture and flavor to the sauce while keeping it light.

How to Make Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground pork, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Gently combine until everything is just mixed; be careful not to overwork the meat! Form the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, roughly 6 minutes total. They should develop a lovely golden crust. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside to let them steam off for a minute.

Deglaze the Skillet: In the same skillet that you browned the meatballs, reduce the heat to medium. Carefully pour in 1/4 cup of bourbon, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom — this adds amazing flavor! Stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 cup of chicken stock. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook for another 8-10 minutes. You want to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The sauce should thicken slightly, coating the meatballs beautifully.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes: While the meatballs are simmering, take the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them in a separate large bowl with 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and some salt. Aim for a smooth and creamy consistency and keep warm while you finish the dish.

Finish the Sauce: After removing the meatballs, take the skillet off the heat. Whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to the bourbon-maple sauce until it becomes velvety and glossy. Give it a little taste test and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve: Arrange the sweet potato mash on plates, topped with the meatballs and a generous drizzle of the bourbon-maple sauce. Enjoy the cozy, flavorful combination of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of hours; moving to the refrigerator is best if you’re not going to eat them right away. The meatballs stay delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Just be aware that the texture of the sweet potato mash may change slightly, but it can easily be revitalized with a splash of cream or butter!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix your meatball ingredients to keep them tender; over mixing can lead to a tough texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will pack more flavor. If using dried herbs, make sure they are fresh and not expired.
Timing: A meat thermometer is your best friend here; checking the internal temperature guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat meatballs.
Texture Adjustments: If your meat mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumb. If too dry, incorporate a bit of cream.
Plan Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance, then store separately in the fridge to save time on dinner night.

Eating comfort food doesn’t have to compromise on flavor or nutrition. With the delightful balance of sweet and savory in Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato, every bite offers something special. The combination of this hearty dish paired with the smoothness of mashed sweet potatoes dazzles the taste buds, while the bourbon maple sauce lifts the entire meal to new heights. Feel free to experiment with herbs to personalize the flavors further, and let your kitchen fill with the warm embrace of delicious cooking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of pork?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. Just know that it can be a bit drier, so you may want to add a little extra moisture with a bit more cream or an additional egg.

How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush gluten-free crackers for a similar texture. The Worcestershire sauce can be replaced with a gluten-free version or tamari.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Certainly! You can make the meatballs and sauce the day before and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them gently before serving and make the sweet potato mash fresh for the best texture.

What can I serve with Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato?

These meatballs are lovely on their own, but you can pair them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. They also work well in wraps or sandwiches if you want to go casual.