What makes this recipe so appealing? It’s the ease. With minimal steps and simple ingredients, you can have a complete, satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress your friends and family, these stuffed sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit. Try it tonight—you won’t believe how simple and delicious it is!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious stuffed sweet potatoes:

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (such as Rotel)
1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions

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Tips for the Best Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Here are some tips to help you make the best Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

For extra flavor, try using ground turkey with a higher fat content. It will add more richness to the filling.
To save time, microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes before baking to soften them slightly.

Salt the sweet potatoes lightly before baking to enhance their natural sweetness.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of cotija cheese can add a unique twist.

Universal Tips for Cooking

When browning ground turkey, make sure to break it up well to ensure it cooks evenly.
Taste the filling as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Use a fork to pierce each sweet potato several times. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Baking them whole preserves their natural sweetness and moisture.
Cook the Turkey Filling: While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat. Removing the excess fat ensures the filling isn’t greasy and helps the flavors meld together better.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. The combination of spices adds depth and warmth to the filling, complementing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Simmer the Filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften, creating a more cohesive filling.

Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Be careful not to tear the skin.
Fill the Sweet Potatoes: Spoon the ground turkey filling evenly into each sweet potato, dividing it among the four sweet potatoes.
Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, top the stuffed sweet potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Serve: Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes immediately and enjoy!

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Serving Ideas

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a versatile and satisfying meal on their own, but they can also be enhanced with thoughtful pairings and creative plating. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed sweet potatoes. Consider a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic dressing. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the savory flavors, balancing the meal.
- Plating Tip: Serve the stuffed sweet potato alongside a generous portion of the salad on a large plate. Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional profile and flavor complexity of your meal by pairing the stuffed sweet potatoes with roasted vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, make excellent accompaniments. The slight bitterness of these vegetables balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the savory filling.
- Plating Tip: Arrange the roasted vegetables around the stuffed sweet potato, creating a colorful and inviting presentation. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the vegetables adds a touch of elegance and flavor.
Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect comforting side to complement the Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory filling and the sweet potato itself.
- Plating Tip: Serve a slice of cornbread alongside the stuffed sweet potato, slightly overlapping on the plate. A pat of butter on top of the cornbread adds richness and enhances the flavor.

Coleslaw: For a tangy and crunchy contrast, serve the stuffed sweet potatoes with a side of coleslaw. Whether you prefer a creamy coleslaw or a vinegar-based one, the crispness of the cabbage and the zesty dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warmth and heartiness of the main dish.
- Plating Tip: Place a small mound of coleslaw next to the stuffed sweet potato, ensuring the colors and textures are visually appealing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness.
Soup: A light soup, such as a tomato soup or a black bean soup, can be a delightful starter or side dish. The warmth of the soup and its savory flavors complement the Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Plating Tip: Serve the soup in a small bowl before presenting the stuffed sweet potato. Garnish the soup with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of herbs for an elegant touch.

By thoughtfully pairing your Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with complementary side dishes and paying attention to plating, you can transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes to help you perfect this delicious and healthy dish:

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes in advance?Yes, you can bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Once they are cooked, let them cool slightly, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Preparing the sweet potatoes in advance saves time on busy weeknights.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?Absolutely! Ground beef makes a great substitute for ground turkey. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the beef. While ground turkey is leaner, using ground beef will still result in a delicious and satisfying meal. You might notice a slightly richer flavor with ground beef. You can check out Ground Turkey vs. Ground Beef to compare the nutritional profiles and decide which is best for you.
Can I freeze the Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?Yes, you can freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes for future use. Allow the cooked sweet potatoes and filling to cool completely. Assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the stuffed sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What are some good variations for the filling?There are endless possibilities for customizing the filling to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick.
- Mediterranean: Use ground lamb instead of turkey and add chopped olives, feta cheese, and oregano to the filling.
- Mexican: Add a can of drained and rinsed pinto beans, a packet of taco seasoning, and top with salsa and guacamole.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
You can visit USDA FoodData Central – Sweet Potato Nutrition for detailed nutritional information about sweet potatoes.

How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?To reduce the sodium content of this recipe, use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and beans. Rinse the beans thoroughly before adding them to the filling. Also, be mindful of the amount of salt you add during cooking. Taste the filling as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can also use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt.
Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?Yes, there are several varieties of sweet potatoes that you can use in this recipe. Jewel sweet potatoes, with their orange flesh, are the most common and work well. You can also use Garnet sweet potatoes, which have a deeper red skin and a slightly sweeter flavor, or Japanese sweet potatoes, which have a purple skin and a drier, starchier texture. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
What toppings go well with these stuffed sweet potatoes?The toppings are where you can really get creative and personalize your Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Here are some popular options:
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Crumbled bacon or cooked chorizo

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delightful and nutritious meal that’s easy to customize and enjoy any night of the week. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Here are some Pro Tips to ensure your Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a success every time:

For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the turkey filling. This intensifies the savory flavors and adds a depth of richness.

To prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out during baking, rub them with a little olive oil before placing them in the oven. This helps to seal in the moisture and gives them a slightly crispy skin.
If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes instead of baking them. Simply pierce them with a fork and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until they are soft. However, baking them in the oven will result in a sweeter, more caramelized flavor.

Variations

Spicy Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Add a can of diced green chilies to the turkey filling, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese, salsa, and a dollop of guacamole.

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Use ground lamb instead of turkey, and add chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the filling. Drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing before serving.

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Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to impress your guests, Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic choice. With their delicious flavors, customizable fillings, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy! And if you’re in the mood for other one-pot-recipes, Check out this Korean Sweet Potatoes Recipe!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Print Recipe

Discover the incredible benefits of combining turkey and sweet potatoes in this delicious and healthy stuffed sweet potato recipe.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 55
Total Time: 70
Yield: 2 1x

Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium sweet potatoes
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wash and pierce sweet potatoes with a fork. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until soft.
While sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Once sweet potatoes are cooked, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
Spoon the turkey mixture into the sweet potatoes.