Enjoy Irresistible Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce

Get ready to indulge in a comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite! Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Pan Sauce is a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy, and slightly boozy elements, creating a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to delight.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Overview

Pork Meatballs Ingredients

The foundation of this dish is the juicy and flavorful pork meatballs. We’re using high-quality ground pork, breadcrumbs (or panko) for texture, a grated onion and minced garlic for aromatic depth, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika and dried sage to create a delightful seasoning profile. An egg helps bind the meatballs together, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a touch of umami.

Sweet Potato Mash Ingredients

To complement the pork meatballs, we’re serving them atop a bed of creamy, comforting sweet potato mash. Sweet potatoes are the star here, blended with butter, heavy cream (or coconut milk), cinnamon, and nutmeg for a luxurious and subtly spiced side dish.

Bourbon-Maple Pan Sauce Ingredients

The crowning glory of this dish is the incredible Bourbon-Maple Pan Sauce. By deglazing the skillet with a splash of bourbon, we unlock a wealth of savory, caramelized flavors. Maple syrup and Dijon mustard provide a delightful sweet-and-tangy balance, while the chicken stock helps create a luscious, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the meatballs.

Preparation Steps

Prep Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried sage, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, then form the mixture into 16 golf-ball-sized meatballs.

Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.</

Cook Sweet Potatoes

While the meatballs are browning, place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Simmer the sweet potatoes for 12-15 minutes, until they’re fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

Finishing the Dish

Finish Meatballs & Sauce

Return the skillet to medium heat and deglaze it with the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Mash Sweet Potatoes

In a separate bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter, heavy cream (or coconut milk), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Keep the sweet potato mash warm while you finish the sauce.

Gloss the Sauce

Remove the meatballs from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Off the heat, whisk the cold butter into the bourbon-maple sauce until it becomes velvety and glossy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, spoon the creamy sweet potato mash onto plates and top it with the tender pork meatballs. Generously drizzle the rich, bourbon-maple pan sauce over the top, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a glass of your favorite red wine. Savor the comforting blend of sweet, savory, and slightly boozy notes in every delightful mouthful.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Pan Sauce provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The pork meatballs are an excellent source of lean protein, while the sweet potatoes offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The bourbon-maple sauce adds a touch of indulgence, but in moderation, it can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.

Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of pork for a leaner option. For a vegan or vegetarian alternative, swap the pork for plant-based meatballs or lentil-based “meatballs.” You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as a Southwest-inspired chili powder and cumin, or an Italian-style blend with oregano and basil. Seasonal twists could include roasted fall vegetables or a cranberry-orange relish to accompany the meatballs.

FAQs

How to serve pork meatballs?

Pork meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. In this recipe, we’re serving them atop a bed of creamy sweet potato mash and drizzling them with a rich bourbon-maple pan sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the meatballs on their own as an appetizer, tossed with pasta, or nestled in slider buns for a fun sandwich. They also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Can I cook pork meatballs in sauce?

Absolutely! Cooking pork meatballs directly in the sauce is a great way to infuse them with flavor. In this recipe, we first brown the meatballs to develop a nice crust, then return them to the skillet to simmer in the bourbon-maple sauce. This allows the meatballs to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Should meatballs be cooked before putting in sauce?

It’s generally recommended to at least partially cook meatballs before adding them to the sauce. This helps to set the shape of the meatballs and ensures they don’t fall apart when simmered in the sauce. In this recipe, we brown the meatballs first, then return them to the skillet to finish cooking in the sauce, which helps to lock in their juiciness and flavor.

How long do pork meatballs take to cook?

The cooking time for pork meatballs can vary depending on their size, but as a general guideline, they should take about 6-8 minutes to brown on the outside, and an additional 8-10 minutes to cook through completely when simmered in the sauce. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to consume.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
• Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Meatballs
• BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Conclusion

Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Pan Sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The tender, flavorful meatballs, paired with the creamy sweet potato mash and the rich, slightly boozy sauce, create a truly irresistible meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Give it a try and experience the comforting, sweet-and-savory bliss in every bite!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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