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Sweet Potato Topped Meatloaf

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This Italian-inspired meatloaf features a juicy, herby beef and sausage base topped with creamy, golden mashed sweet potatoes. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (plant-based is fine)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Add to a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup milk, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Press meat mixture evenly into prepared loaf pan (or shape free-form on a lined baking sheet).
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
  8. While meatloaf bakes, mash cooked sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Parmesan, 2-3 tbsp milk or cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until creamy and spreadable.
  9. Remove meatloaf from oven. Carefully spread mashed sweet potatoes over the top, smoothing to the edges.
  10. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
  11. Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until topping is golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  12. Let meatloaf rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  13. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for best results. You can swap beef for turkey or chicken, and sweet potatoes for butternut squash or Yukon gold potatoes. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, sweet potato, Italian, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free option, high protein, mashed sweet potatoes, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/sweet-potato-topped-meatloaf-recipe-easy-italian-comfort-dinner/