Stuffed sweet potatoes with turkey are a warm and filling meal! Soft, sweet potatoes are packed with savory turkey, making them tasty and hearty.
They’re great for any day of the week! I love how simple they are to make; just bake the potatoes, mix in turkey, and enjoy a yum-packed bite. Perfect for leftovers too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Sweet potatoes give natural sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer, you can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a different flavor.
Ground Turkey: A lean meat option that keeps the dish light. If you want a different flavor, try ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Feta Cheese: This cheese adds a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella works great. Each gives a different taste and creaminess.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika enhance the flavor of the turkey. Feel free to experiment with any spices you love, like Italian herbs or chili powder, to switch things up!
How Do I Bake Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Baking sweet potatoes just right can make all the difference. Here’s how to achieve that soft, fluffy interior:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove dirt.
- Pierce them with a fork several times to prevent bursting during baking.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check for tenderness with a fork.
Once baked, let them cool slightly before cutting. It helps prevent burns and makes handling easier!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to cook the sweet potatoes in the oven. So, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. Perfect for a wholesome dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the sweet potatoes a good wash and pierce them with a fork a couple of times. This helps them cook evenly. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’re tender when you poke them with a fork.
2. Cook the Turkey Filling:
Once the sweet potatoes are done and have cooled a bit, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Turkey:
Next, toss in the ground turkey, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Season it up with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, carefully slice the baked sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a little border inside to keep the shape of the skin intact.
5. Mix and Stuff:
Mix the scooped sweet potato flesh in with the turkey mixture until everything is well combined. Spoon this tasty filling back into the sweet potato skins evenly.
6. Add Toppings:
Top each stuffed potato with crumbled feta cheese and chopped green onions. They’re ready to go back in the oven if you want to warm them up further and slightly brown the tops, about 5-10 minutes should do!
7. Serve with Freshness:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful stuffed sweet potatoes with turkey!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave until heated through or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make These for Meal Prep?
Yes, these stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and store them separately in containers. Just reheat as needed for a quick and healthy meal during the week.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve with This?
A simple side salad makes a great accompaniment, adding freshness and crunch. Alternatively, some steamed vegetables or a light soup can also complement the meal nicely!
