Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed sweet potatoes make a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with lean ground turkey, veggies, and a blend of spices, this dish combines comfort and wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tsp avocado oil
• 1/3 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed (optional)
• 1 large handful fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika suggested)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salsa, for serving
• Plain Greek yogurt (Fage 0% fat recommended)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes. You can microwave each sweet potato by piercing it several times with a fork, then microwaving for about 3 minutes per side until soft. Alternatively, bake whole sweet potatoes at 425ºF on a foil-lined baking sheet for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let them cool.
2. Step 2: Once cool, slice each sweet potato lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Mash the flesh in a bowl and mix in avocado oil and 1/3 tsp ground cumin for flavor.
3. Step 3: In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and cook the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Then add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, zucchini, and spinach if using. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.
4. Step 4: Arrange the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet and evenly fill them with the mashed sweet potato mixture. Top each with a generous portion of the turkey mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Step 5: Broil the stuffed sweet potatoes for 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Remove from the oven and serve hot, topped with green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Add black beans and corn to increase fiber and protein content.
• Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to sour cream for a creamy topping.
• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the turkey and increase beans and veggies.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through to maintain texture, or microwave covered for 2-3 minutes. Adding fresh toppings after reheating is recommended for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake or microwave the sweet potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate them. Just assemble and broil the stuffed potatoes right before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

This Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe features tender sweet potatoes filled with a flavorful turkey mixture seasoned with spices, vegetables, and beans, then topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It offers a balanced, nutritious meal combining protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tsp avocado oil
• 1/3 tsp ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Turkey Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (freshly minced for best flavor)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean suggested)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed (optional, for added protein and fiber)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 large handful fresh spinach, chopped

For Assembly and Topping:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salsa, to serve
• Plain Greek yogurt (Fage 0% fat for a lighter option), to serve
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Tillamook brand recommended)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. You can microwave them individually for about 3 minutes on each side until soft, adjusting time based on your microwave. Alternatively, bake at 425ºF in a foil-lined baking sheet for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once cool, slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and gently scoop out the flesh into a bowl, keeping skins intact. Mash the flesh gently with a fork and mix in 1 tsp avocado oil and 1/3 tsp ground cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground turkey and brown thoroughly. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, grated zucchini, and chopped spinach. Cook until heated through and well combined.
4. Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Arrange sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato mixture into the skins. Spoon the turkey mixture generously on top of each filled potato. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over each.
5. Broil and Serve: Place the assembled stuffed sweet potatoes under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Notes

• Microwaving sweet potatoes is a quick alternative to baking but baking yields a deeper roasted flavor and softer texture.
• Black beans, corn, and spinach are optional but add excellent nutrition and texture contrasts.
• You can substitute the turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
• Adjust spiciness by varying chili powder to your taste.
• For a dairy-free option, omit cheese and use a non-dairy yogurt topping.
• Stored leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: stuffed sweet potatoes, ground turkey recipe, healthy dinner, baked sweet potato, stuffed vegetable recipe, high protein meal