Description
These Easy Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful meal combining tender sweet potatoes with spiced ground turkey, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the recipe offers microwave or oven cooking options for the potatoes and includes optional add-ins like black beans and corn for extra protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/3 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp avocado or olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Turkey Filling
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with their juices)
- 1 medium zucchini (grated)
- 1 large handful of spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained) - optional
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh) - optional
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- Salsa (for serving)
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: You can either microwave or bake the sweet potatoes. For microwaving, pierce each potato several times with a fork and microwave them one at a time for about 3 minutes on each side or until soft. For baking, preheat your oven to 425ºF, prick potatoes with a fork, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let the potatoes cool before handling.
- Prepare the Potato Flesh: Once cooled, slice each sweet potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact for stuffing later. Place the scooped flesh in a large bowl, then mash gently with a fork or potato masher. Stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/3 teaspoon of ground cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, draining excess fat if necessary. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the spices are fully combined with the meat.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Incorporate the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), grated zucchini, chopped spinach, black beans, and corn kernels if using. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Spoon the mashed sweet potato evenly into the reserved skins on a cookie sheet. Top each with a generous portion of the turkey and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Broil to Finish: Place the assembled potatoes under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown nicely.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.
- You can cook sweet potatoes in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for milder or spicier flavors.
- Adding black beans and corn is optional but adds extra fiber and protein.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven; keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
