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- 4 medium sweet potatoes - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Greek yogurt or sour cream for serving You can replace ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or quinoa instead of meat. If you don’t have black beans, any canned bean works well. For cheese, feel free to use a dairy-free option or omit it. Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or coconut oil. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. They help boost your immune system. Ground turkey is a lean protein, keeping your meal light yet filling. Black beans add fiber and protein, helping with digestion. Bell peppers are high in antioxidants, which combat free radicals. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and probiotics for gut health. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, I scrub the sweet potatoes well. I poke a few holes in each potato with a fork. This helps them cook evenly. I place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them for about 45-50 minutes. They should feel tender when I poke them with a knife. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, I add the diced onion and bell pepper. I sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Next, I add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The aroma fills the kitchen! Then, I stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. I cook it for 7-10 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. After that, I mix in the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. I let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. When the sweet potatoes are done, I carefully take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. I cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. With a spoon, I scoop out a bit of the flesh, being careful not to break the skin. Then, I fill each half with the turkey mixture. To finish, I sprinkle shredded cheese on top. I return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for another 10 minutes. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, I take them out again. I let them cool slightly and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. I serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. To make your sweet potatoes just right, start by choosing medium-sized ones. They cook evenly and have great flavor. Scrub them well, then poke holes with a fork. This helps steam escape while baking. Bake at 400°F for 45-50 minutes. You want them soft and tender. After baking, let them cool slightly before cutting to avoid burns. Scoop out a bit of flesh for the filling. This makes space for the turkey mix. You can change the taste easily. Try adding spices like oregano or coriander for a twist. If you love heat, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños. For a sweeter taste, toss in corn or diced pineapple. You can also switch up the cheese. Use feta for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also add freshness. Just mix and match to suit your taste! When serving your stuffed sweet potatoes, presentation matters. Arrange them on a platter for a nice look. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for color. Drizzle Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for creaminess. If you want to make it more filling, serve with a side salad or some rice. This adds a nice balance to the meal. Enjoy your creation and impress your friends and family! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any blemishes or soft spots for the best flavor and texture. Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it an extra kick if you enjoy heat. Make Ahead: You can prepare the turkey filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before filling the sweet potatoes. Top with Freshness: Adding toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice can elevate the flavor profile of your stuffed sweet potatoes. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Ground chicken or beef works well too. You can even try shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture. Turkey has a mild taste, while beef is richer. Chicken is lighter and can be very juicy. If you want to make this dish meat-free, use lentils or quinoa. Both options add protein and fiber. Cooked mushrooms can also add a hearty texture. You can mix in some chopped nuts for crunch. Stuffing the sweet potatoes with veggies is another great choice. Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn all work nicely here. You can switch up the spices to change flavors. Try using taco seasoning for a Mexican twist. Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano for an Italian vibe. You can also swap black beans for chickpeas or kidney beans. If you like heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting! To keep your ground turkey stuffed sweet potatoes fresh, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container seals well to prevent drying out. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but the oven keeps the sweet potatoes crispier. If you want to freeze them, wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven as mentioned before. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture nice. Yes, you can use other potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds. Sweet potatoes offer a unique taste and nutrition. However, other potatoes will change the flavor and texture. If you like, try using a mix of sweet and regular potatoes for a fun twist. Sweet potatoes are done when they are soft. You can check by piercing them with a knife. If the knife goes in easily, they are ready. Typically, this takes about 45-50 minutes at 400°F (200°C). I recommend giving them a good poke before taking them out. You can serve the stuffed sweet potatoes with a green salad for freshness. A side of roasted vegetables pairs well too. If you like, add some avocado slices or a simple salsa for an extra punch. Also, Greek yogurt or sour cream makes a great topping. This blog post covered how to make delicious Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, tips for success, and tasty variations. You can create a meal that suits your taste and needs by using substitutions and different proteins. Remember, you can store leftovers and enjoy them later. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy cooking and sharing these tasty stuffed potatoes with others!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Delicious sweet potatoes filled with a savory ground turkey mixture, topped with cheese and garnished with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley
  • for serving Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • While the oven is heating, scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and poke a few holes in them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Add the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh (be careful not to break the skin).
  • Fill each sweet potato half with the ground turkey mixture, then top with shredded cheese. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Notes

Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of Greek yogurt for a pop of color and flavor.
Keyword ground turkey, healthy recipe, stuffed sweet potatoes