Easy Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These Easy Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner option, packed with lean ground turkey, veggies, and a flavorful blend of spices. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with a savory turkey filling and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed sweet potatoes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Microwaving and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Filling
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (see notes for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon 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, usually frozen (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salsa
- Plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. For microwave method, cook each potato on one side for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until soft (time may vary). For oven method, preheat oven to 425ºF, prick potatoes with a fork and bake on foil-lined baking sheet for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Allow potatoes to cool.
- Scoop and Mash Potato Flesh: Slice each cooled sweet potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the inside flesh, keeping skins intact. Place the flesh in a large bowl and gently mash with a fork or potato masher. Mix in olive oil and ground cumin. Evenly distribute the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins.
- Cook Turkey Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in spices (ground cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper), then add diced tomatoes, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, black beans, and corn kernels if using. Cook for about 2 minutes until mixture is warmed through and well combined.
- Assemble Potatoes: Arrange the stuffed potato skins on a cookie sheet. Top each with the turkey mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Broil: Broil the assembled potatoes in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with optional toppings such as sliced green onions, salsa, and plain Greek yogurt.
Notes
- If baking sweet potatoes in the oven, the total cooking time will be longer than microwave method.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute lean ground turkey with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu.
- The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
