Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato combines comforting flavors with a touch of sweetness that warms the heart. Picture perfectly browned pork meatballs nestled on a luscious bed of creamy sweet potato mash, lovingly drizzled with a decadent bourbon maple sauce. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed the belly; it brings people together. The delightful mingling of savory and sweet evokes the cozy atmosphere of a family gathering and feels like a warm hug on a cool evening.

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

This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it’s a go-to for both busy weeknights and special dinners. When I first made it for friends, they were amazed at how easily I whipped up such a flavorful dish. The combination of the rich pork and sweet potatoes creates an indulgent comfort meal that beats any store-bought counterpart. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and sure to please even the fussiest eaters. I can’t wait for you to share this experience with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 50 minutes cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The savory pork meatballs paired with sweet potatoes and a bourbon maple sauce create a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the dish make it as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for impressing your guests.
Flexible Serving: This comforting dish is fantastic for family dinners or cozy get-togethers, making it a versatile meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs or trying alternatives for the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup breadcrumbs: These act as a binder to keep the meatballs moist and juicy. You can use seasoned or plain breadcrumbs based on your preference.
1 medium onion, grated: Fresh onion adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs. If you’re not a fan, shallots can be a great substitute.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic delivers a fragrant punch that enhances the overall flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can opt for jarred if you’re short on time.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness to the meatballs. If it’s unavailable, regular paprika will work, but you’ll miss that depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon dried sage: Dried sage complements the pork beautifully. You can use fresh sage if you have it, just remember that you’ll need more.
1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients, keeping the meatballs together. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can use a flax or chia egg.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds a touch of umami that deepens the flavor. Use a gluten-free version if necessary.
1 teaspoon salt: A little salt elevates all the flavors. Adjust based on your salt preference.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Pepper brings warmth; you can adjust this according to your taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps in browning the meatballs and adds a hint of richness. Feel free to use another neutral oil if you prefer.
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, contributing a naturally sweet and creamy texture.
1/4 cup butter: The butter enriches the sweet potato mash, making it velvety. If you’re dairy-free, consider coconut oil or olive oil.
1/4 cup heavy cream: This cream adds a luxurious touch to the mash. Swap it out for a non-dairy alternative if desired.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon enhances the sweetness of the potatoes, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Like cinnamon, nutmeg adds warmth and depth. It’s best freshly grated, but pre-ground is fine too.
1/4 cup bourbon: Bourbon gives the sauce a unique depth; it can be replaced with apple cider vinegar mixed with a little brown sugar for a non-alcoholic version.
1/4 cup maple syrup: This natural sweetener pairs perfectly with bourbon, creating a lovely sauce. Agave syrup can be used as an alternative.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The mustard adds tang and balances the sweetness of the sauce. Yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but it has a milder flavor.
1 cup chicken stock: The stock enriches the sauce, making it flavorful and comforting. You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.

How to Make Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 grated medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Use your hands to gently combine the mixture so it doesn’t get tough. Once combined, form the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs.

Brown Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally until the meatballs are evenly browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside, allowing the skillet to cool slightly.

Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a separate pot, place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with salted water. Bring the pot to a boil and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. After draining them, set aside while you finish the meatballs.

Deglaze Skillet: Return the skillet to medium heat, and pour in 1/4 cup bourbon. Make sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan as they add flavor. Once the bourbon has cooked off a bit, add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 cup chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover it, and let them cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The sauce will reduce and thicken nicely during this time.

Prepare Sweet Potatoes: While the meatballs finish cooking, mash the cooked sweet potatoes in a separate bowl with 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture, and keep them warm until ready to serve.

Finish the Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the skillet. Off the heat, whisk in a few cold tablespoons of butter until the bourbon-maple sauce becomes velvety and glossy. Taste the sauce, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Serve: Plate a generous scoop of the sweet potato mash, and top it with the meatballs, drizzling the rich sauce over the top. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures, sharing this comforting meal with family or friends.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sweet potato mash in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave the portions until evenly heated, or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce thickens too much. The texture may change slightly, but with a touch of cream, you can refresh the sweet potatoes.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Overworking it can lead to tough meatballs; mix just enough until everything is evenly incorporated.
Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before use; it helps bind and improves the texture.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they’re safe to eat and perfectly tender.
If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For a hassle-free prep, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

The blend of savory pork and sweet potatoes topped with a bourbon maple sauce creates a harmony that feels both comforting and satisfying. This dish’s beauty lies in its adaptability—feel free to play around with spices, add cheese, or try different veggie sides. I invite you to gather your loved ones around the table and relish the ease and pleasure of a homemade meal. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the pork with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative if you’re looking for something lighter. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, swap out traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check your chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.

What can I serve with Pork Meatballs Sweet Potato?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a hearty cranberry sauce or apple chutney for added sweetness!