Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash

Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a simple and comforting dish that brings together juicy pork meatballs with a creamy, naturally sweet mash made from sweet potatoes. The meatballs…

By Riley • November 23, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash is a simple and comforting dish that brings together juicy pork meatballs with a creamy, naturally sweet mash made from sweet potatoes. The meatballs are tender and full of flavor, while the sweet potato mash adds a beautiful orange color and smooth texture that makes the meal feel both cozy and satisfying.

I love making these meatballs because they cook up quickly and freeze well, so I always have some ready for a fast dinner. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs so nicely with the savory pork, and you can easily customize the meatballs with your favorite herbs or spices. I usually add a little garlic and fresh parsley, but feel free to experiment!

My favorite way to serve this meal is with a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad to add some freshness. It’s also a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great family-friendly dinner. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m sharing something warm and homemade that really hits the spot on a busy weeknight.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Pork: This is the base for your meatballs, offering a nice balance of fat and flavor that keeps them juicy. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works well, but add a bit of olive oil to avoid dryness.

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead.

Sweet Potatoes: They bring natural sweetness and creaminess to the mash. If you want a milder taste, regular potatoes work fine, but sweet potatoes add great color and nutrients.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle salty depth to the meatballs—optional but recommended. For a dairy-free alternative, skip it or use nutritional yeast.

How Can You Make Tender, Juicy Meatballs Every Time?

Meatballs can turn tough if overworked or overcooked. Here’s how to keep them tender and juicy:

• Mix the ingredients gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meat soft.
• Use a good fat-to-lean ratio in your ground pork; a bit of fat adds moisture.
• Brown the meatballs over medium heat to develop flavor but don’t cook them through at this stage.
• Simmer them gently in broth to finish cooking and keep them moist.
• Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

These steps help you avoid dry meatballs and bring out the best flavor and texture.

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 creamy, smooth texture.
• Large mixing bowl – makes mixing the meatball ingredients easy without a mess.
• Nonstick or cast-iron skillet – great for browning meatballs evenly and building flavor.
• Spatula or tongs – helps you turn meatballs carefully without breaking them.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground pork for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version; they stay moist when cooked gently.
• Stir in finely chopped spinach or kale to the meatball mix for extra greens and nutrition.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give the meatballs a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Mix some grated cheddar or mozzarella into the sweet potato mash for a creamy, cheesy twist.

How to Make Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pork Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
• 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)
• 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth (for sauce/gravy)

For the Sweet Potato Mash:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs/900g), peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes to cook. Boiling the sweet potatoes and cooking the meatballs happens at the same time, making the process efficient and straightforward. Overall, you can have this delicious, hearty dinner ready in about 35-40 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:

Start by placing peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with water, then bring the water to a boil. Let the sweet potatoes simmer until they become tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water well and return the potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl. Add butter and milk (or cream), then mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Season the mash with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep the mash warm while you prepare the meatballs.

2. Make the Meatball Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly so everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.

3. Shape the Meatballs:

Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, round meatballs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a plate or paper-lined tray as you form them, making sure they are ready for cooking.

4. Cook the Meatballs:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Note that the meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. After browning, remove the meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate.

5. Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking:

Pour the chicken stock or broth into the same skillet used for browning, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful bits stuck there. Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover the pan and gently simmer for about 7 to 10 minutes. This lets the meatballs cook through while the sauce thickens nicely.

6. Assemble and Serve:

Place a generous scoop of sweet potato mash on each plate or bowl. Arrange the meatballs on top of the mash, then spoon some of the pan sauce over the meatballs and mash. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finish.

7. Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash immediately. They pair wonderfully with steamed greens or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I Use Frozen Ground Pork for the Meatballs?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground pork in the refrigerator overnight before using to ensure even mixing and cooking.

How Can I Make the Sweet Potato Mash Creamier?

For a creamier mash, add a little more milk or cream and butter while mashing. You can also use a hand mixer for an extra smooth texture.

Can I Freeze the Meatballs?

Absolutely! After shaping the meatballs, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store cooked meatballs and sweet potato mash separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.