Description
This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe is a flavorful, healthy, and filling meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It features tender baked sweet potatoes filled with a savory ground turkey mixture, seasoned with spices and vegetables, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes. The dish is easy to prepare with options for microwave or oven baking for the sweet potatoes and can be customized with vegetarian alternatives or dairy-free toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
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 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean suggested)
- 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 tsp paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
For Assembly and Topping:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Tillamook brand recommended)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salsa, to taste
- Plain Greek yogurt (such as Fage 0% fat) or sour cream, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. For microwave cooking, cook each sweet potato about 3 minutes per side until soft, adjusting for microwave strength. For oven cooking, preheat oven to 425ºF and bake pierced sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet for 45-50 minutes until tender. Let cool before handling.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, keeping the skins intact. Mash the sweet potato flesh with a fork or masher, then stir in avocado oil and ground cumin for added flavor.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Mix in cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Add diced tomatoes, black beans (if using), corn (if using), grated zucchini, and chopped spinach. Cook until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into each skin, then top with a generous portion of the turkey filling. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed potato.
- Broil and Serve: Place the baking sheet under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts, bubbles, and begins to brown. Remove from oven and top with sliced green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian alternatives to ground turkey include crumbled firm tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or a quinoa and black bean mixture.
- Sweet potatoes can be swapped for regular potatoes or butternut squash; adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a low-carb option, use large portobello mushrooms or halved bell peppers as the base instead of sweet potatoes.
- Dairy-free options for the Greek yogurt topping include coconut yogurt, cashew cream, or mashed avocado for creaminess.
- Cooking times may vary depending on equipment, so adjust as needed to ensure proper doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stuffed sweet potato, ground turkey recipe, high protein meals, healthy dinner, baked sweet potato, meal prep, low fat recipe
