High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe
This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe offers a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a savory, spiced ground turkey and vegetable filling. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes, this dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner packed with protein and fiber.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Broiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Ground Turkey Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced canned tomatoes (with their juice)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- A large handful of spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels, usually frozen (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Salsa, to serve
- Plain Greek yogurt, to serve
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. For the microwave method, cook one at a time for about 3 minutes on each side or until soft, adjusting time as necessary depending on your microwave. For the oven method, preheat to 425ºF, place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet, prick with a fork, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Allow sweet potatoes to cool.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once cool, slice sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Mash the flesh gently in a large bowl and mix in olive oil and ground cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground turkey and brown it. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper until spices are fully incorporated. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, grated zucchini, and spinach if using. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Evenly spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture back into each skin. Top each with a generous portion of the turkey and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Broil and Serve: Place the stuffed sweet potatoes under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly with browned spots. Remove carefully and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
Notes
- For a vegetarian alternative, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and adjust spices accordingly.
- You can prepare the sweet potatoes in advance and refrigerate before assembling and broiling.
- Feel free to omit black beans and corn or substitute with other veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cooked until very tender to facilitate easy scooping and mashing.
- Salsa and Greek yogurt add freshness and creaminess but can be omitted or substituted with hot sauce or sour cream as preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: stuffed sweet potato, ground turkey recipe, high protein dinner, healthy stuffed potatoes, low fat dinner, easy weeknight meal