What Meat Goes with Sweet Potatoes: 8 Tasty Ideas

When it comes to what meat goes with sweet potatoes, the options are endless. From beef to pork and from turkey to chicken, you have quite a diverse list to choose from. But with the wide variety, the decision often ends up becoming more difficult.

The best way to check which meat goes the best with sweet potatoes is to try different proteins one by one to find what you like best. This way, you’ll get an idea of the flavor profiles of various meats and their combination with sweet potatoes.

In this article, we’ll give you some pairing ideas to get you started. We’ll also explain why these combinations work well together. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get straight into it!

Meats that Go Well with Sweet Potatoes

1. Sirloin Steak
2. Ribeye Steak
3. Bacon Bits
4. Pork Tenderloin
5. Turkey Sausage Links
6. Pork Chops
7. Ham
8. Turkey
9. Chicken Breast

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin steak is a delicious and hearty option for a side dish, and it pairs especially well with sweet potatoes. Although steak is high in fat and calories, it also contains important nutrients like protein and iron. In addition, it is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

When choosing a sirloin steak, look for one that is dark red and has little marbling. This indicates that the steak will be lower in fat and calories. If you are concerned about cholesterol, you can trim the fat off of the steak before cooking it.

To cook a sirloin steak, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add oil to prevent sticking. Sear the steak for two to three minutes per side, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the desired temperature is reached.

For a juicy and flavorful steak, be sure not to overcook it. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it, and enjoy it with roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal!

Quick Recipe: Herb-Crusted Sirloin Steak

• Ingredients: Sirloin steak, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, red wine
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Rub sirloin steak with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Sear steak in the skillet, then deglaze with red wine.
  5. Cook to desired doneness.

Ribeye Steak

A ribeye steak is a prime cut of beef that is known for its rich flavor and tender texture. When cooked properly, it can make an excellent pairing with sweet potatoes. The main benefit of using this steak as a pairing is that it can help to enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes. Also, it will add some additional nutrients to your meal, such as protein and iron.

However, there are some downsides to this choice as well. First, ribeye steaks can be quite expensive. Second, they are fairly high in fat, so they should be eaten in moderation. Finally, it can be difficult to cook them to perfection.

For best results, it is important to use a meat thermometer and cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. With a bit of care and attention, however, it is possible to enjoy delicious ribeye steak and sweet potatoes together.

Quick Recipe: Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak

• Ingredients: Ribeye steak, butter, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season ribeye steak with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear steak in the skillet.
  4. Add butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.
  5. Baste steak and cook to desired doneness.

Bacon Bits

Bacon bits are the perfect side dish for sweet potatoes, as they add a savory crunch to the sweetness of the potatoes, and their small size means that they can be easily incorporated into any dish.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when using bacon bits as a side dish. First, they can be high in fat and calories, so it is important to use them sparingly. Second, they tend to lose their flavor quickly, so it is best to cook them just before serving.

Finally, bacon bits can be messy, so it is always a good idea to have some paper towels on hand. But if you keep these tips in mind, they will make an excellent addition to any sweet potato dish.

Quick Recipe: Maple Glazed Bacon Bits

• Ingredients: Bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, cayenne pepper
• Average Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Lay bacon on a baking sheet.
  3. Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Brush mixture over bacon.
  5. Bake until crispy, then crumble into bits

Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the potatoes is a perfect complement to the savory pork, and the two ingredients cook in about the same amount of time. Plus, there are plenty of benefits to cooking pork tenderloin as a side dish for sweet potatoes.

For one thing, it’s a great way to stretch your food budget. Single pork tenderloin can easily feed four people, making it a cost-effective option for large families or dinner parties. Additionally, pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to cooking pork tenderloin as a side dish for sweet potatoes. For example, it can be difficult to find pork tenderloin that is reasonably priced and of good quality. Additionally, because pork tenderloin is such a lean meat, it is easy to overcook it, resulting in dry, tough meat.

However, with a bit of care and attention, it is possible to avoid these pitfalls and create a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Quick Recipe: Asian-Inspired Pork Tenderloin

• Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, sesame oil, green onions
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate pork tenderloin in soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  3. Roast tenderloin for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Turkey Sausage Links

Sweet potatoes are a popular dish, but they can sometimes be a little bland. One way to add some flavor is to pair them with turkey sausage links.

The sausage will help to add some savory notes, while the sweet potatoes will provide a complimentary sweetness. The two flavors can help to round out each other. Another benefit of this pairing is that it can help to extend the life of your sausage. If you have leftover sausage, you can simply slice it up and add it to your sweet potatoes. This will help to make sure that nothing goes to waste.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when pairing these two dishes. First, make sure that the sausage is cooked all the way through before adding it to the sweet potatoes. Second, be careful not to overload the sausage. A little bit can go a long way in terms of flavor.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Quick Recipe: Spicy Turkey Sausage Links

• Ingredients: Turkey sausage links, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds
• Average Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and fennel seeds.
  3. Sauté turkey sausage links until cooked through.

Pork Chops

When it comes to side dishes, there are endless possibilities. But if you’re looking for something that will complement your main course, pork chops are a great option as sweet potatoes pair well with the savory taste of pork chops.

When it comes to cooking pork chops, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to cook them until they’re slightly pink in the center. This ensures that they’re juicy and flavorful. Second, be sure to season them generously with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.

And finally, don’t forget the humble side of sweet potatoes. They may be simple, but they’re the perfect partner for pork chops. So next time you’re planning a meal, consider pairing these two classic dishes together. You won’t be disappointed.

Quick Recipe: Apple and Sage Pork Chops

• Ingredients: Pork chops, apples, sage, butter, white wine, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear chops, then add sliced apples and sage.
  4. Add butter and deglaze with white wine.
  5. Cook until apples are tender and pork is cooked through.

Ham

Ham is a delicious and versatile side dish that goes well with sweet potatoes. It is high in protein and low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those watching their waistline. It also provides a good source of energy, making it perfect for athletes or anyone who needs a boost.

In addition, ham is rich in flavor and can be easily customized to suit any taste. So if you are looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your sweet potatoes, consider ham and you won’t be disappointed.

Quick Recipe: Pineapple Glazed Ham

• Ingredients: Ham, pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, cloves
• Average Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (for a small ham)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Score ham and insert cloves.
  3. Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mustard.
  4. Glaze ham and bake, basting occasionally.

Turkey

While sweet potatoes are often thought of as a Thanksgiving side dish, they can be enjoyed year-round. One delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes is to pair them with turkey. The sweetness of the potato pairs well with the savory flavor of the turkey, and the two ingredients complement each other nicely.

Additionally, both sweet potatoes and turkey are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits. The next time you’re looking for a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes, give the turkey a try. You may be surprised at how well the two foods go together.

Quick Recipe: Herb-Roasted Turkey

• Ingredients: Turkey, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, lemon, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 3-4 hours (depending on turkey size)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Rub turkey with olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, and minced garlic.
  3. Stuff cavity with lemon slices.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken Breast

One way to add even more flavor and nutrition to your sweet potatoes is to include chicken breast as a side dish. Chicken breast is a good source of protein and other nutrients, and it pairs well with the sweetness of sweet potatoes.

There are many different recipes for chicken and sweet potato dishes, so you can easily find one that suits your taste. Whether you bake, fry, or grill your chicken, it is sure to add an extra layer of flavor to your sweet potatoes.

Quick Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
• Average Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil.
  3. Mix with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Stuff mixture into a pocket cut into the chicken breast.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other side dishes that go well with sweet potatoes?

In addition to meat, sweet potatoes also pair well with green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sautéed kale.

Can I add sweet potatoes to my breakfast menu?

Yes! Sweet potatoes are a great way to start your day. They’re packed with nutrients and fiber that will give you sustained energy throughout the morning. Try pairing them with eggs, avocado, and toast for a complete breakfast.

What’s the best way to cook sweet potatoes?

There are many different ways to cook sweet potatoes. You can bake them, fry them, or even grill them. The method you choose will depend on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are just a few ideas for what meat goes with sweet potatoes. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to find what you like best. And don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!