Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato
Pork meatballs combined with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes create a perfect duet for the taste buds. Rich, savory, and slightly smoky, these meatballs are enveloped in a glossy bourbon maple sauce that adds a delightful depth of flavor. Each forkful promises comfort that warms your heart, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or simply craving something extraordinarily delicious.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe after a long day when the cold weather beckoned for something heartwarming. The mixture of textures—the slightly crispy pork meatballs paired with the creamy sweet potato mash—invoked a sense of satisfaction and coziness that reminds me of home-cooked meals during childhood. The allure of this dish not only resonates in the way it looks but also unfolds with every enticing bite. Easy to prepare and sure to please, I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of pork meatballs sweet potato!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep time takes just 20 minutes, and the cooking is a breeze, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground pork with smoked paprika and the sweet touch of bourbon maple sauce creates layers of flavors.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those golden, glistening meatballs alongside a vibrant sweet potato mash make an impressive dish for any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs for a satisfying texture. If you need it to be gluten-free, feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
- 1 medium onion, grated: Adds moisture and sweetness to the meatballs. Fresh onion works best, but onion powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces aromatic richness to the flavor profile. Fresh garlic is ideal, but jarred garlic can work too.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This gives a smoky depth. If you prefer a milder heat, you can use sweet paprika instead.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Contributes an earthy flavor that complements the pork beautifully. Thyme is a great alternative if you’re out of sage.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatball mixture holds together well. Using a flaxseed egg is an option for a vegan adaptation.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor in meatballs. For a gluten-free substitute, look for a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances overall flavors. Adjust to taste if you prefer less salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of heat. Feel free to use freshly cracked black pepper for a more robust flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for browning the meatballs. Use vegetable oil if olive oil isn’t on hand.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provides a naturally sweet and creamy mash that pairs perfectly with the meatballs. Other types of potatoes can work, but sweet potatoes bring a unique flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness to the sweet potato mash. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or olive oil.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the mash luxuriously creamy. Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sweetness of the potatoes. Nutmeg could work as a substitute but use in moderation.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes. You can skip this if nutmeg isn’t your favorite.
- 1/4 cup bourbon: Adds a complex flavor to the sauce. You can replace this with apple cider or omit entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the bourbon beautifully. Agave syrup could be used as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy kick that balances the sweetness. A yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but the flavor will change.
- 1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful. Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
How to Make Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground pork, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 grated onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix gently until everything is combined, avoiding overmixing, and then form the mixture into 16 meatballs, about the size of golf balls.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re brown on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside, as they’ll return to the skillet later for that delicious sauce.
Boil Sweet Potatoes: While the meatballs are browning, take 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and place them in a pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil. Let them simmer for 12-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain the potatoes before setting them aside to be mashed later.
Deglaze the Skillet: Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in 1/4 cup of bourbon. Scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan; it adds fantastic flavor to the sauce. Next, add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 cup chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet and cover. Cook for around 8-10 minutes until your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy). The sauce will slightly thicken, coating the meatballs beautifully.
Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a separate bowl, take the drained sweet potatoes and mash them using a potato masher. Add in 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and salt to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy, then keep warm while you finish with the sauce.
Finish the Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them out of the sauce onto a serving platter. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in a couple of cold tablespoons of butter into the bourbon-maple sauce until it’s glossy and velvety. Be sure to season your sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the meatballs alongside the creamy sweet potato mash, drizzling that luscious bourbon-maple sauce generously over the top. Grab your fork and dig in!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for 3-4 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Keep in mind that while the flavors will still be delicious, the texture of both the meatballs and sweet potato mash may change slightly upon reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the ground pork is fresh and cold before starting, it helps in keeping the meatballs tender.
- Avoid overmixing your meatball mixture; gentle handling is key to maintaining a tender texture.
- If you find the sweet potatoes too thick, a splash of additional cream or stock can achieve your desired consistency.
- To enhance flavors further, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- Making a larger batch? You can freeze uncooked meatballs and defrost them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Pork meatballs sweet potato isn’t just another dish; it’s a cozy embrace of flavor and comfort that invites experimentation. Play around with spices, and sauces, or even sneak in some veggies into the meatball mix. You’ll surely find your signature twist to this delightful recipe. So, whether it’s for a chilly evening or a gathering with loved ones, let this dish warm your heart and home. Enjoy, and get ready to savor every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use leaner pork for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While pork gives these meatballs a juicy flavor, you can substitute with leaner pork or even turkey. Just make sure to adjust seasonings since lean meats have a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. The sweet potato mash can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a little reheat with some cream or butter to restore its creamy consistency.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, you can mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meatball mix. You could also choose a spicy mustard instead of Dijon for an additional kick!
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute ground pork with a plant-based meat alternative or mashed chickpeas combined with grains. Just be sure to adjust the spices and seasoning to your liking, and enjoy the delightful twist on this classic!
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📖 Recipe Card
Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the delicious Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato, featuring juicy meatballs and smooth sweet potato mash. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried sage, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the meatballs, and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Set aside on a plate.
- Boil peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Return skillet to medium heat and deglaze with bourbon, scraping up browned bits. Add maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chicken stock, and simmer. Return meatballs, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature is 160°F.
- In a separate bowl, mash sweet potatoes with butter, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Keep warm while finishing the sauce.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and off heat, whisk cold butter into the bourbon-maple sauce until velvety. Adjust seasoning, and serve meatballs with sweet potato mash and sauce.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground pork with turkey for a leaner option.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference; add more spices for enhanced flavor.
Serve meatballs with a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 622
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 994mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
