Introduction

This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender sweet potatoes with a flavorful turkey and vegetable filling, it offers a satisfying balance of protein and wholesome ingredients. Topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Two halves of cooked sweet potato with orange soft flesh sit on a white plate. Each half is topped with a crumbly brown mixture and dark green wilted leafy vegetables. A drizzle of white sauce covers the topping. A silver fork with a small bite of the potato and toppings is on the plate. In the background, a white bowl with fresh green spinach leaves and two raw sweet potatoes are visible on a white marbled surface partially covered with a white cloth with black stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total)
1 tsp avocado oil
1/3 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean suggested)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika if preferred)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup black beans, rinsed (optional)
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 large handful fresh spinach, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salsa, for serving
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. Cook them individually in the microwave for about 3 minutes on each side until soft, or bake at 425ºF on a foil-lined baking sheet for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let cool.
Step 2: Slice the cooled sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, keeping the skins intact. Mash the potato flesh with olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook minced garlic until fragrant, then add the ground turkey and brown it. Stir in spices (cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder) to coat the meat evenly.
Step 4: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, grated zucchini, and chopped spinach to the pan. Cook until heated through and well combined.
Step 5: Place sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Fill each with the mashed sweet potato mixture, then top with the turkey mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Broil the stuffed potatoes for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with green onions, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Add black beans and corn for additional protein and fiber or omit for a simpler version.
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Using a fork or potato masher, avoid over-mashing the sweet potato to keep some texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or microwave briefly. To preserve the cheese texture, broil for a minute after reheating if desired.

How to Serve

Two baked sweet potatoes are placed on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. Each sweet potato is split open and filled with a layered mixture of cooked ground meat, black beans, and small pieces of red bell pepper, all topped with melted cheese. The bright orange flesh of the sweet potatoes contrasts with the darker filling. A gold fork with a bite of the filling is resting on the plate in front of them. The background is softly blurred with a green plant on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these stuffed sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and assemble the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate before broiling. Broil just before serving to reheat and melt the cheese.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for topping?

If you prefer, sour cream, crème fraîche, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative all work well for adding a creamy finish.