Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf is an easy, gluten-free, dairy-free dinner made with mashed sweet potato for a moist, tender twist on classic meatloaf.
Turkey Sweet Potato Meatloaf
My classic turkey meatloaf recipe is on repeat in my house, but I love trying new variations. After testing this Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf a few ways, I landed on a version that uses mashed baked sweet potato in place of breadcrumbs. It keeps the meatloaf moist and tender while making it naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. A tangy ketchup glaze finishes it off. For more dinner ideas, browse my ground turkey recipes.
Why Add Sweet Potato to Meatloaf?
Mashed sweet potato helps bind this meatloaf in place of breadcrumbs while keeping it moist and tender. It also adds a little natural sweetness, plus fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients
- Large Sweet Potato: This easy turkey meatloaf recipe is a great way to use leftover baked sweet potatoes or air fryer sweet potatoes. If you don’t have leftovers, the quickest way to cook it is in the microwave. To microwave, pierce the potato several times with a fork, and wrap in a paper towel. Microwave 4 – 6 minutes, or until it is soft to the touch, adding more time if needed.
- Ketchup: Most of the ketchup goes into the meatloaf and the rest on top. It’s also delicious with BBQ sauce if you don’t want to use ketchup. To cut back on sugar and lower the calories, I often use sugar free ketchup.
- Worcestershire: Stir the sauce and ketchup to make the glaze.
- Ground Turkey: Use 93% lean turkey for moist meatloaf, 99% will be dry.
- Egg: If you can’t eat egg, leave it out. I tested this both ways. It will be slightly denser but totally fine!
- Onion Flakes: Saute 1/4 cup chopped onion if you don’t have dried onion flakes.
- Marjoram: Swap marjoram for your favorite spices.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt is used here, I use Diamond Crystal Kosher salt which has less sodium than Morton’s or table salt. If you use other salt, adjust.
How to Make
Here’s the step-by-step directions. See recipe card below for the printable recipe.
- Sweet Potatoes: Cook your potatoes in the microwave if you don’t have any leftovers. Remove the skin and mash the flesh in a large bowl.
- Combine all the meatloaf ingredients except for two tablespoons of ketchup and Worcestershire with a fork. Shape the mixture into a loaf on a prepared baking sheet.
- Glaze: Mix the remaining ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and brush it on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake uncovered for 55 minutes at 350F. Let it sit for five minutes before slicing.
Variations:
- Use ground chicken or beef in place of ground turkey.
- For a kid-friendly twist, add some cheddar cheese in the mix, if you like it cheesy.
- If you want to add more flavor, saute 1 small onion, with 1 clove garlic and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, then adding it to the mix.
How to Freeze Meatloaf
Leftover turkey meatloaf will keep in the fridge for three to four days and in the freezer for three months. Store in a freezer safe container or wrap in foil. You can thaw a serving overnight in the refrigerator and microwave it when ready to eat.
Side Dishes That Go Well With Meatloaf
For some dinner ideas, serve it with cauliflower mash and broccoli. A brussels sprout salad, rice, or spinach would also be good.
More Meatloaf Recipes You’ll Love:
Find more meatloaf recipes including these five ideas:
- Sheet Pan Turkey Meatloaf and Broccoli
- Meatloaf and Brown Gravy
- Enchilada Turkey Meatloaf
- Skillet Harissa Turkey Meatloaf
- Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium baked sweet potato, about 7 ounces* (1 heaping cup)
- 6 tablespoons ketchup, divided (for whole30, use sugar free such as Primal Kitchen)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound ground turkey, 93% lean
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Remove flesh from sweet potato, discard skin and mash in a large bowl.
- Add turkey, egg, dried onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, marjoram and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and mix with the ground turkey using a fork until mixed well.
- In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons of the ketchup with Worcestershire sauce.
- Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet. Spoon sauce on top.
- Bake uncovered for 55 minutes, remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing.