Stuffed sweet potatoes with turkey are a tasty and filling dish! They’re wholesome, packed with flavor, and the sweet potatoes just make everything better.
Honestly, who can resist that combo? I love loading them up with toppings like cheese and avocado for a fun twist. You can’t go wrong with this cozy meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I love using medium-sized ones for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a change, try using butternut squash instead; it gives a similar flavor.
Ground Turkey: Lean and tasty! You can swap turkey for ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different meat. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tempeh or lentils.
Onion and Garlic: Both add depth to the dish. If you’re in a hurry, use onion powder and garlic powder as a shortcut — just reduce the quantities to one teaspoon each.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin are key for flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper! Adjust to your taste.
Cheese: Cheddar is great, but goat cheese or feta also work well for a tangy twist. If vegan, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Just Right?
Getting perfectly baked sweet potatoes is important, so follow these steps closely:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before putting in the sweet potatoes.
- Pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape while they bake.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes; check with a fork for softness.
- Let them cool slightly before cutting them open to avoid burns.
These steps ensure your sweet potatoes are fluffy and ready to hold all that delicious filling!
How to Make Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
For the Turkey Filling:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish & Toppings:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
- 1-2 tbsp barbecue sauce or hot sauce (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 45-60 minutes for baking the sweet potatoes. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the entire cooking process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your sweet potatoes a good wash and pierce them several times with a fork. This helps them bake evenly!
2. Baking the Sweet Potatoes:
Place those sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, until they’re tender and you can easily poke them with a fork.
3. Making the Turkey Filling:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, let’s make the filling! In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
4. Cooking the Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula while cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally!
5. Flavoring the Filling:
Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so all those lovely spices can blend together. Then, remove from heat.
6. Stuffing the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven. Slice them open lengthwise, but keep the skin intact. Use a fork to fluff up the sweet potato flesh a bit, creating space for that delicious turkey filling.
7. Assembling the Dish:
Spoon the flavorful turkey mixture evenly into each sweet potato. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top!
8. Melting the Cheese (Optional):
If you added cheese, pop the stuffed sweet potatoes back into the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly!
9. Finishing Touches:
Take them out of the oven and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and drizzle with barbecue or hot sauce if you like a little kick!
10. Garnishing:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions on top for color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your yummy stuffed sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even pork. For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tempeh or lentils for a protein-packed filling.
How Can I Prepare These Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Great question! You can bake and stuff the sweet potatoes a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or corn. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers to soften them before mixing with the turkey.
