Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a simple, hearty meal that brings together juicy, flavorful pork meatballs and smooth, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes. The meatballs are tender and…
By Ava
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Reading time: 7 min
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Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a simple, hearty meal that brings together juicy, flavorful pork meatballs and smooth, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes. The meatballs are tender and full of savory spices while the sweet potato mash adds a creamy, colorful twist that makes the dish feel extra special without much fuss.
I love making this dish when I want something comforting but not too heavy. The sweet potato mash is my favorite part — it’s easy to whip up, and its sweetness balances the savory pork perfectly. Sometimes I add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the mash for a cozy touch that makes the whole meal feel like a warm hug on a plate.
One of the best things about this meal is how well it travels from the kitchen to the table. I often serve the meatballs on top of the mash with a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s also a great dish to prep ahead and reheat, making weeknight dinners feel a bit more thoughtful without the extra time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground pork: This is the star of your meatballs. It’s juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but pork keeps them tender.
Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory pork. If you can’t find them, regular potatoes work too, though the flavor is milder. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg boosts the warmth of the mash.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs without making them dense. For a gluten-free choice, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oat flour.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice umami touch but is optional. You can leave it out or replace it with a bit of grated cheddar or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Fresh parsley: Adds fresh, green notes. You can also try cilantro or basil to change up the flavor profile.
How Do You Make Juicy, Tender Meatballs That Don’t Fall Apart?
The secret is gentle mixing and not overworking the meat mixture. Here’s how:
- Combine ingredients gently using your hands or a spoon—avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use breadcrumbs and an egg to bind the mixture; don’t skip these or meatballs may crumble.
- Shape meatballs evenly (about 1 to 1 ½ inches) so they cook uniformly.
- Cook them in batches over medium heat, turning often to get a nice brown crust without burning.
- Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) or they feel firm but springy.
Following these steps makes the meatballs moist inside with a slight crispy outside—just the way they should be.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the sweet potatoes evenly and quickly.
- Potato masher or fork – helps you mash sweet potatoes to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Mixing bowl – for combining all the meatball ingredients gently and evenly.
- Large skillet or frying pan – great for browning and cooking meatballs without crowding.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – handy to check that meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Whisk – useful if you decide to make the gravy, to keep it smooth and lump-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground pork for ground turkey or beef for a different flavor and texture; turkey keeps it lean while beef adds richness.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or finely chopped spinach into the meatball mix for extra moisture and veggies.
- Mix in spices like smoked paprika or cumin into the meatballs for a smoky or warm twist.
- Stir some grated cheddar or a dollop of cream cheese into the sweet potato mash for extra creaminess and tang.
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 breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil for frying
For The Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
For The Gravy (Optional):
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. Boiling and mashing the sweet potatoes takes around 20 minutes, while forming and frying the meatballs takes about 15 minutes. If making gravy, add just a few extra minutes. Overall, about 35-40 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
Put the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. You can stir in cinnamon or nutmeg here too, for a little extra flavor. Keep the mash warm while you cook the meatballs.
2. Make the Meatballs:
Combine ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or spoon until all ingredients are even. Shape into small meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches across.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook every few minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and meatballs are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Remove the cooked meatballs to a plate.
4. Prepare Optional Gravy:
Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Whisk in flour or cornstarch and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in broth while whisking until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Place a hearty scoop of sweet potato mash onto each plate. Top with the pork meatballs. Drizzle with the prepared gravy if you like, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, bright finish.
Enjoy this warm, comforting meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Pork for the Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the ground pork completely in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This helps ensure even cooking and proper texture.
How Can I Make the Sweet Potato Mash Creamier?
For a creamier mash, add a splash more milk or cream and a little extra butter while mashing. Warm the milk slightly before adding to keep the mash smooth and silky.
Can I Bake the Meatballs Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and sweet potato mash in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mash if it’s dried out.