High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe
This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish combining the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a spicy, protein-rich ground turkey filling. Ideal for a healthy dinner, it’s packed with vegetables, spices, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting yet wholesome meal. Easily customizable and perfect for meal prep.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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
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 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, for serving
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Using the microwave method, cook each sweet potato for about 3 minutes per side until soft. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 425ºF, prick sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Let them cool before handling.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Slice cooled sweet potatoes lengthwise and gently scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Place the flesh in a large bowl and mash with a fork or masher. Stir in 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, grated zucchini, and spinach if using. Cook until heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Place sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Fill each with the mashed sweet potato mixture, then top evenly with the turkey mixture. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Broil and Serve: Broil the assembled sweet potatoes in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Cooking times for sweet potatoes may vary depending on their size and microwave or oven power.
- Add or omit black beans and corn based on preference or dietary needs.
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free spices and ingredients if catering to gluten-sensitive diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: high protein, ground turkey, stuffed sweet potato, healthy dinner, easy recipe, low fat, gluten free, low calorie