Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Crispy, golden turkey stuffed sweet potatoes bring a delightful twist to comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this hearty meal, creating magic on your plate.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet satisfying recipe that packs serious flavor.

Hearty sweet potatoes become the perfect vessel for seasoned turkey, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional potato dishes.

Protein and complex carbohydrates blend seamlessly, making this dish both filling and nutritious.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly these stuffed sweet potatoes come together with minimal preparation.

Dive into this recipe and discover a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes These Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes So Good

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from turkey and vitamins from sweet potatoes, this dish delivers a knockout nutritional punch that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground chicken, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or anyone wanting a hassle-free meal with maximum flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the heartiness of stuffed potatoes with a balanced blend of savory turkey and nutritious spinach, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A nutrient-dense root vegetable that serves as the delicious base of this hearty dish.
  • Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a savory and satisfying filling for the stuffed sweet potatoes.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients to the turkey mixture.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic Powder: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the turkey and vegetables.
Cheese and Garnish:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: The cheese adds a creamy, melted topping while parsley provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and turkey, adding a subtle richness to the filling.

How to Make Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Easily

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Roasting

Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool water. Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack.

Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Set oven temperature to 400°F. Roast sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes until they become tender. Check doneness by inserting a knife – it should slide in smoothly.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ingredients:
  • Diced onions

Cook onions until they turn translucent and develop a light golden color.

Step 4: Cook Ground Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook until turkey browns completely with no pink remaining.

Step 5: Incorporate Greens and Seasonings

Stir in ingredients:
  • Chopped spinach
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix until spinach wilts and seasonings distribute evenly throughout the meat mixture.

Step 6: Prepare Potato Vessels

Remove sweet potatoes from oven. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the interior, creating space for filling.

Step 7: Stuff Potatoes with Turkey Mixture

Spoon seasoned turkey and spinach filling into each potato cavity. Distribute mixture generously.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over filled potatoes. Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Optimize Potato Piercing: Create multiple fork punctures to prevent potential potato explosions and ensure even steam release during baking.
  • Maximize Meat Browning: Cook ground turkey until it develops a rich, golden-brown color for deeper flavor and improved texture.
  • Spinach Integration Trick: Chop spinach finely and stir continuously to help it wilt quickly and blend seamlessly with turkey mixture.
  • Temperature Control Technique: Use medium heat when sautéing to prevent burning onions and ensure even caramelization.
  • Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Watch cheese carefully during final baking to achieve perfect melt without overcooking or burning.

Tasty Variations for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Southwestern Turkey Fiesta: Replace spinach with black beans, add diced bell peppers, and top with salsa and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Turkey Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, diced kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to create a Greek-style stuffed sweet potato experience.
  • Spicy Buffalo Turkey Blast: Incorporate buffalo sauce into the turkey mixture, top with blue cheese crumbles, and garnish with green onions for a kicked-up flavor profile.
  • Smoky BBQ Turkey Comfort: Stir barbecue sauce into the ground turkey, add caramelized onions, and sprinkle smoked gouda cheese for a rich, hearty variation.

Pairing Ideas for Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Pair Spicy Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that complements the turkey's richness and cuts through the sweet potato's creamy texture.
  • Match Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty stuffed potato and add refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance with Tangy Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a Greek-style tzatziki with cucumber, dill, and garlic to drizzle over the dish, adding brightness and cooling elements.
  • Complement with Pinot Noir: Choose a medium-bodied red wine with subtle earthiness that harmonizes with the turkey and sweet potato flavors.

How to Keep Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Fresh

  • Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap each stuffed sweet potato individually in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum quality and flavor preservation.
  • Thaw frozen stuffed sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and restore original texture.
  • If planning to store components separately, keep turkey filling and baked sweet potatoes in distinct containers.

Stuffed Sweet Potato FAQ Guide

  • Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from turkey, nutrients from sweet potatoes, and vitamins from spinach, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

  • Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute and provides similar protein content and texture.

  • How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

They’re done when you can easily pierce them with a knife and the skin looks slightly wrinkled and soft.

  • Are sweet potatoes better than regular potatoes nutritionally?

Sweet potatoes have more vitamin A, fiber, and lower glycemic index compared to white potatoes, offering more health benefits.

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Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 65-67 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Comfort meets gourmet in these mouthwatering turkey stuffed sweet potatoes, blending hearty protein with creamy, caramelized root vegetable goodness. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 0.5 lb ground turkey

side ingredients:

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup chopped spinach
  • 0.25 cup diced onions

seasoning and toppings:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes, piercing them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  2. Place sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and roast for 45-50 minutes until they become tender and easily pierced with a knife.
  3. While potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent and slightly golden.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  5. Incorporate chopped spinach into the turkey mixture, stirring until the spinach wilts and blends seamlessly with the meat.
  6. Season the turkey filling with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
  7. Once sweet potatoes are fully cooked, remove from oven and carefully slice them lengthwise, creating a split down the center.
  8. Gently fluff the interior of each potato with a fork, creating space for the turkey filling.
  9. Generously spoon the seasoned turkey and spinach mixture into each sweet potato cavity.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filled potatoes and return them to the oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
  11. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Adjust baking time for larger or smaller sweet potatoes to ensure perfect tenderness without overcooking.
  • Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.
  • Pat turkey dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-57 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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