Description
This Easy Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe is a nutritious, flavorful meal combining tender sweet potatoes with a spiced ground turkey mixture packed with veggies. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins, topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with fresh garnishes like green onions, salsa, and Greek yogurt.
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 Mixture
- 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 juices
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 large handful spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh (optional)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salsa, to serve
- Plain Greek yogurt, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Choose your preferred method— either microwave each potato for about 3 minutes per side until soft, letting them cool afterward; or bake whole sweet potatoes at 425ºF on a foil-lined baking sheet for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Prepare sweet potato flesh: Once cooled, slice potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Place the flesh in a large bowl and gently mash with a fork or masher. Stir in 1 tsp olive or avocado oil and 1/3 tsp ground cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook ground turkey mixture: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, then drain excess fat or moisture. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Add vegetables and simmer: Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juices, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, black beans, and corn kernels (if using). Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Assemble the stuffed potatoes: Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato back into each potato skin placed on a cookie sheet. Top with the turkey and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each one.
- Broil the stuffed potatoes: Place the assembled potatoes under the oven broiler for 6-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and starts to brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Adjust spices to your preference or add a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Microwave cooking times can vary; check potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
- Use frozen corn directly without thawing for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
