Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
These turkey stuffed sweet potatoes make a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. Packed with seasoned ground turkey, veggies, and melted cheese, they’re perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced canned tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- A large handful of spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels, usually frozen (optional)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Salsa, for serving
- Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Microwave one at a time for about 3 minutes on each side until soft, or bake in a preheated 425ºF oven for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let them cool.
- Step 2: Prepare the sweet potato filling. Slice the cooled sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Mash the flesh in a bowl with olive oil and ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Cook the turkey mixture. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground turkey and brown it. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, grated zucchini, and spinach. Cook until heated through and well combined.
- Step 4: Assemble the stuffed potatoes. Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Fill each with the mashed sweet potato mixture, then top with the turkey mixture. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over each.
- Step 5: Broil and serve. Broil the assembled potatoes for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve hot, topped with green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based protein.
- Use either fresh or frozen corn kernels based on availability.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the turkey mixture for extra flavor.
- Microwaving sweet potatoes is quicker, but baking gives a deeper roasted flavor.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave until hot. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can help refresh flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the turkey mixture in advance?
Yes, the turkey mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil the stuffed potatoes just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
You can use large white potatoes or even small pumpkins as a base, though cooking time and flavor will vary.
PrintTurkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Turkey Stuffed Potato recipe features fluffy sweet potatoes filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced ground turkey, vegetables, black beans, and corn, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a variety of fresh garnishes. It offers a hearty and healthy meal ideal for dinner, combining the natural sweetness of the potatoes with savory, well-seasoned turkey filling and fresh toppings like salsa and Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Turkey Filling
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced canned tomatoes (with their juice)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- A large handful of spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels, usually frozen (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Salsa, as desired
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. Using the microwave method, cook one potato at a time for about 3 minutes on each side or until soft, allowing cooling afterward. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 425ºF, place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet, prick them with a fork, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let cool.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once cooled, slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh while keeping the skins intact. Transfer the flesh to a bowl and mash gently with a fork or masher. Stir in olive oil and ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in spices: ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, grated zucchini, and chopped spinach, stirring until heated through and combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato mixture back into each skin. Top each with a generous amount of the cooked turkey mixture, then sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- Broil and Serve: Place the assembled stuffed potatoes under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese melts and begins to brown and bubble. Remove from the oven and serve hot, topped with sliced green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and omit the meat spices if desired.
- Microwave cooking times for sweet potatoes may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave.
- Including black beans and corn is optional but adds extra fiber and flavor.
- Use avocado oil as a heart-healthy alternative to olive oil if preferred.
- If you prefer a milder filling, reduce or omit the chili powder.
Keywords: turkey stuffed sweet potatoes, stuffed potato recipe, healthy turkey dinner, baked stuffed potatoes, sweet potato recipes
