These stuffed sweet potatoes are a delicious mix of juicy turkey and sweet potato goodness. They are topped with cheese and spices, making them super tasty and filling!
Honestly, who knew healthy could be this satisfying? I just bake the potatoes, fill them up, and enjoy! Perfect for a cozy dinner without much fuss. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth potatoes. If sweet potatoes are not available, you can use regular potatoes; just keep in mind they will change the flavor profile!
Ground Turkey: Lean turkey is great here, but you can easily swap it with ground chicken or even a plant-based substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. It won’t affect the dish too much!
Onion and Garlic: Both add lots of flavor! If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead. Just remember to adjust the amounts, as the dried versions are more concentrated.
Spices: I love using smoked paprika and cumin for depth of flavor. If you don’t have those, try Italian seasoning or taco seasoning for a different twist.
Cheese: I usually go for mozzarella for its melty goodness, but feel free to use cheddar or even feta for a tangy kick. Vegan cheese options work, too!
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Baked?
Baking sweet potatoes correctly is key to getting that soft, sweet interior. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking for consistent cooking.
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Poke several holes with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking, which helps prevent them from bursting.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender, testing doneness with a fork or knife.
These steps will ensure your sweet potatoes come out perfectly fluffy and sweet, ready for stuffing!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For The Turkey Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach or parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional topping)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., chopped parsley, cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 60-75 minutes in total. You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients, followed by 45-60 minutes to bake the sweet potatoes and then an additional 10 minutes to bake after stuffing. It’s worth the wait for such a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, wash the sweet potatoes well and poke a few holes in each one with a fork. This helps the steam escape as they cook, preventing them from bursting!
2. Bake Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes until they are tender (you can test this by inserting a knife). You’ll want them to be soft enough for easy scooping.
3. Cook the Turkey Filling:
While the potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells wonderful!
4. Brown the Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Allow it to brown and cook through for about 7-10 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left!
5. Season the Filling:
Once the turkey is fully cooked, stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
6. Prepare for Stuffing:
After the sweet potatoes are done, take them out of the oven carefully. Slice each one lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Scoop out some of the soft flesh, leaving enough to form a nice shell.
7. Mix Filling:
In a bowl, mash the scooped sweet potato flesh lightly and combine it with the turkey mixture and chopped spinach or parsley until everything is nicely mixed.
8. Stuff the Potatoes:
Stuff the sweet potato shells with your turkey mixture. Have fun packing them in! Then, top each stuffed potato with shredded cheese.
9. Final Baking:
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Take them out of the oven and if you like, drizzle with some Greek yogurt or sour cream. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve hot and savor every bite!
This recipe yields a filling, flavorful meal with the natural sweetness of the potato balancing the seasoned turkey perfectly. Enjoy your scrumptious stuffed sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef are great alternatives. For a vegetarian option, you can use lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like tempeh or plant-based ground meats.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the turkey filling in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, stuff and bake them together. This makes for a quick and easy meal later on!
What Can I Serve With Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Stuffed sweet potatoes are filling on their own, but you can serve them with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy them with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness!
