Description
This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe combines tender, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes with a flavorful, spiced ground turkey mixture. Enhanced with veggies like zucchini, spinach, black beans, and corn, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, green onions, salsa, and Greek yogurt for a wholesome, satisfying meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Filling
- 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 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, as desired
- Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. For microwave method, cook each potato individually for about 3 minutes per side until soft; cooking times may vary based on microwave power. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 425ºF oven on a foil-lined baking sheet, pricked with a fork, for 45-50 minutes until tender. Let cool completely before handling.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Slice cooled sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh without damaging the skins. Place the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher. Stir in avocado or olive oil and 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped garlic until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, grated zucchini, spinach, black beans, and corn. Cook, stirring, until heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Arrange sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the skins. Spoon the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture over the top of each potato. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously on each.
- Broil and Serve: Place the baking sheet under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Remove carefully, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve immediately with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitute.
- Microwave cooking times may vary depending on wattage; check tenderness before removing.
- Optional vegetables like black beans and corn add extra fiber and nutrients.
- Use avocado oil for a milder flavor or olive oil as a heart-healthy option.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground turkey stuffed sweet potato, high protein sweet potato recipe, healthy stuffed sweet potatoes, protein rich dinner, lean turkey recipe
