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Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is a flavorful and nutritious twist on classic meatloaf. It combines lean ground turkey with shredded sweet potato, Italian-style panko, and a blend of spices, all stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a tangy low-sugar BBQ sauce. Baked to perfection, this hearty dish balances savory, smoky, and mildly spicy notes, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 small sweet potato, shredded (about ¾ cup shredded sweet potato)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (94%)
  • 1 small white onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • ½ cup Italian style panko bread crumbs (or gluten free bread crumbs)
  • 2 tablespoons low sugar BBQ sauce (such as Stubb’s)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 oz sliced sharp cheddar cheese (or ½ cup shredded cheddar)

Topping

  • ⅓ cup low sugar BBQ sauce
  • Optional: cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Cook Sweet Potato: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and shredded sweet potatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes to avoid cooking the egg prematurely in the following steps.
  3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, diced onion, sautéed sweet potatoes, minced garlic, beaten egg, panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Shape Meatloaf with Cheese: Place half of the meat mixture onto the prepared pan and shape it into a 10×4 inch rectangle. Layer the sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top, leaving about a ½ inch border along the edges. Cover with the remaining meat mixture, carefully enclosing the cheese, and seal the edges to contain the filling.
  5. Add BBQ Sauce Topping: Spread half of the ⅓ cup BBQ sauce over the top of the meatloaf evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for after baking.
  6. Bake Meatloaf: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until an internal meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C), ensuring the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the remaining BBQ sauce on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 4 servings. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve alongside sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the level of heat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked safely to 160°F.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain moisture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 to 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cheddar-stuffed-sweet-potato-bbq-turkey-meatloaf-recipe/