Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a deliciously healthy twist on comfort food, blending perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with a flavorful turkey filling that’s packed with spices and nutrients. Plus, it’s customizable with toppings like avocado and Greek yogurt, making each bite feel fresh and indulgent without the guilt!
I enjoy making simple and healthful meals, and my Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a number one go-to. These satisfying bites combine the lean protein of ground turkey with the fiber-rich goodness of sweet potatoes.
With a few spices and cooking the ground turkey until it’s done but still relaxed (remember to season well!), you’re on your way to a flavorful—and nutritious!—stuffing. And the sweet potatoes?
I often recommend them as a healthier alternative to your standard spud.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes: abundant in fiber, vitamins A and C.
Mellow and sweet.
Ground Turkey: Excellent source of protein.
High in protein, low in fat.
Olive Oil: Monounsaturated fats that are healthy.
Great for cardiovascular health.
Garlic: Strengthens the body’s defenses.
Imparts a luscious layer of flavor.
Crimson bell pepper: Abundant in vitamin C.
Contributes a sugary crispness.
The avocado has a smooth and creamy texture.
It’s full of healthy fats and fibers.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for topping)
Instructions
1. Your oven should be at 400°F (200°C) when you put the sweet potatoes in. Wash them and dry them well, then pierce each one several times with a fork. Put them on a baking sheet and bake them for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender.
2. As the sweet potatoes bake, the olive oil in a large skillet is heated to medium. The onions are added to the skillet and cooked until they begin to soften, which takes about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic to the frying pan and cook for another half-minute until it smells good, then add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is brown and cooked all the way through, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Combine the cumin, paprika, and chili powder with the turkey, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the turkey is enrobed with the spices.
5. Include in the skillet the tomatoes, finely chopped, and the bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the pepper softens and begins to lose its crispness.
6. Combine the corn and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Take the skillet off the heat and blend in the chopped cilantro.
7. When the sweet potatoes are finished cooking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool for a short time. Then slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully remove some of the flesh to make room for the filling.
8. Evenly distribute the turkey mixture among the sweet potatoes, filling each one completely.
9. Should you wish, each stuffed sweet potato can be topped with shredded cheddar cheese and returned to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
10. The stuffed sweet potatoes may be served with diced avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top, if desired. Enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Fork
4. Large skillet
5. Stove
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Can opener
10. Measuring spoons
11. Mixing spoon
12. Bowl (for mixing or holding ingredients)
13. Cheese grater (optional)
14. Serving spoon
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken or, if you prefer, lean ground beef.
- Q: How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?The sweet potatoes are finished when they reach fork tenderness, which usually occurs after they have been baking at 400°F (200°C) for 45-55 minutes.
- Q: Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?Q: Can I prepare the turkey filling ahead of time? If so, how far ahead can I go?
A: Yes. Prepare the turkey filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat the filling just prior to stuffing the potatoes.
- Q: Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?A: Absolutely. Just leave out the cheese, and use an alternative yogurt that doesn’t contain dairy for the top part.
- Q: Can I substitute the cilantro with other herbs?Not a fan of cilantro? Fresh parsley or chives can make a great substitute.
- Q: What are the best toppings to serve with the stuffed sweet potatoes?A: Enhancing the flavors beautifully are toppings like Greek yogurt, sour cream, extra avocado, and a sprinkle of lime juice.
- Q: How can I make the stuffed sweet potatoes spicier?A: For extra heat, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some chopped jalapeños.
Substitutions and Variations
1 tablespoon coconut oil instead of olive oil
1 pound ground chicken rather than ground turkey
One can (14.5 oz) of chopped tomatoes with green chilies, as opposed to the regular diced variety, can be used.
1 yellow bell pepper instead of a red bell pepper
Substitute 1/4 cup chopped parsley for fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes for Enhanced Flavor: Before stuffing, consider roasting the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of cinnamon. This adds a layer of flavor that complements the savory turkey filling.
2. Spice Infusion: Toast the cumin, paprika, and chili powder in the skillet for about 30 seconds before adding the turkey. This releases the oils and heightens the spices’ aroma and flavor.
3. Texture Variety: For added crunch, mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or toasted pumpkin seeds into the turkey filling after cooking.
4. Flavorful Fillings: Try mixing some lime juice into the avocado topping for a citrusy twist. This can brighten the overall flavor profile of the dish.
5. Cheese Variation: Instead of cheddar, experiment with a smoked cheese like smoked gouda or mozzarella to add a subtle smoky flavor to the stuffed sweet potatoes.
Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
My favorite Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Fork
4. Large skillet
5. Stove
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Can opener
10. Measuring spoons
11. Mixing spoon
12. Bowl (for mixing or holding ingredients)
13. Cheese grater (optional)
14. Serving spoon
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for topping)
Instructions:
1. Your oven should be at 400°F (200°C) when you put the sweet potatoes in. Wash them and dry them well, then pierce each one several times with a fork. Put them on a baking sheet and bake them for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender.
2. As the sweet potatoes bake, the olive oil in a large skillet is heated to medium. The onions are added to the skillet and cooked until they begin to soften, which takes about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic to the frying pan and cook for another half-minute until it smells good, then add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is brown and cooked all the way through, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Combine the cumin, paprika, and chili powder with the turkey, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the turkey is enrobed with the spices.
5. Include in the skillet the tomatoes, finely chopped, and the bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the pepper softens and begins to lose its crispness.
6. Combine the corn and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Take the skillet off the heat and blend in the chopped cilantro.
7. When the sweet potatoes are finished cooking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool for a short time. Then slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully remove some of the flesh to make room for the filling.
8. Evenly distribute the turkey mixture among the sweet potatoes, filling each one completely.
9. Should you wish, each stuffed sweet potato can be topped with shredded cheddar cheese and returned to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
10. The stuffed sweet potatoes may be served with diced avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top, if desired. Enjoy!