Introduction
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce is the kind of dish that feels both cozy and refined, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed entertaining. I first made this recipe when I wanted something comforting but a little more special than standard meatballs and potatoes. The tender pork meatballs are savory and juicy, the sweet potato mash is smooth and naturally sweet, and the bourbon-maple sauce ties everything together with warmth and depth. What I love most about this meal is the balance. The sweetness of the potatoes and maple syrup complements the richness of the pork, while the bourbon adds a subtle complexity that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. It is hearty, satisfying, and visually beautiful on the plate, yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is rich, comforting, and full of balanced flavors. It feels special without being complicated, works well for meal prep, and offers a delicious twist on classic meatballs and mashed potatoes.
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Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce: A Comforting, Elevated Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce is a comforting, elevated dinner featuring juicy pork meatballs served over creamy sweet potato mash and finished with a rich, sweet-savory bourbon maple glaze.
Ingredients
- For Pork Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- For Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- For Bourbon-Maple Sauce:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain sweet potatoes and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth; keep warm.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, butter, and black pepper.
- Simmer sauce over low heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return meatballs to skillet and spoon bourbon-maple sauce over them.
- Serve meatballs over sweet potato mash with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Do not overmix meatballs to keep them tender.
- Bourbon flavor cooks down and becomes mild.
- Can be served with roasted vegetables on the side.
- Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Pork
Ground pork creates juicy, flavorful meatballs. Its natural richness pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory elements in the dish.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender rather than dense.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold together while remaining soft.
Garlic
Garlic adds savory depth and enhances the overall flavor of the pork.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds moisture and mild sweetness to the meatballs.
Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasoning ensures the pork flavor remains balanced and well defined.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes form the base of the mash, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
Butter
Butter adds richness to the mash and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.
Milk or Cream
Milk or cream loosens the mash and adds subtle richness without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup brings natural sweetness to the sauce and complements the pork and sweet potatoes.
Bourbon
Bourbon adds warmth and complexity to the sauce, giving it a slightly smoky, caramel-like depth.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard balances the sweetness of the sauce with gentle acidity and sharpness.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley
Fresh herbs add brightness and a fresh finish to the final dish.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Peel and chop them into evenly sized chunks, then boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well and mash with butter and milk or cream until smooth. Season with salt and keep warm.
While the potatoes cook, make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, carefully add the bourbon and allow it to simmer briefly, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard, then simmer until slightly thickened. Return the meatballs to the pan and spoon the sauce over them, allowing them to warm through and glaze evenly.
Serve the meatballs over the sweet potato mash, drizzling extra bourbon-maple sauce on top. Finish with fresh herbs before serving.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making the total time around 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mash if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce can be adapted easily. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for pork and adjust seasoning as needed.
If you prefer extra texture in the mash, leave the sweet potatoes slightly chunky or add roasted garlic for depth. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
The sauce can also be customized. Reducing the maple syrup slightly creates a more savory profile, while adding a pinch of smoked paprika enhances warmth. If bourbon is unavailable, a splash of apple cider can be used for a non-alcoholic alternative.
You can also serve the meatballs over mashed cauliflower or polenta for a different presentation while keeping the same flavor profile.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It contains dairy and can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overmix the meat
Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
Mash potatoes while hot
Hot potatoes mash more smoothly and evenly.
Simmer the sauce gently
Low heat prevents the sauce from becoming bitter.
FAQs
Does the bourbon flavor taste strong?
No, it cooks down and adds subtle depth rather than strong alcohol flavor.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared and refrigerated before cooking.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
Apple cider or broth works well as a substitute.
Are sweet potatoes very sweet?
They are naturally sweet but balanced by butter and seasoning.
Can I bake the meatballs?
Yes, baking works well if preferred.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sauce is mild once cooked.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The meatballs freeze well; mash is best fresh.
What herbs work best?
Thyme and parsley both complement the flavors nicely.
Can I add vegetables?
Roasted carrots or green beans pair well with this dish.
Does this work for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and stays flavorful.
Conclusion
Pork Meatballs with Sweet Potato Mash & Bourbon-Maple Sauce is a comforting yet elevated meal that brings warmth, balance, and depth to the dinner table. With tender meatballs, creamy mash, and a rich, glossy sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a home-friendly format. It is a satisfying dish that feels special while remaining approachable and dependable.
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