Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes are one of those cozy, feel-good meals that make you look like you’ve got it all together—even on a Tuesday night when the kids are arguing over whose turn it is to walk the dog. This dish is simple, hearty, and full of real flavor. Lean ground turkey brings the protein, while the naturally sweet and tender baked potatoes serve as the perfect vessel for all that savory goodness.
Add in a touch of buttery veggies, warm paprika, and garlic powder, and you’ve got a dinner that tastes like a hug. The best part? It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but wholesome enough to feel like you’re doing something great for your body. Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes are that rare mix of satisfying and nourishing—comfort food that won’t weigh you down.
Table of Contents
What is Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes?
Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes is a delicious, balanced dinner featuring seasoned lean ground turkey and veggies spooned into perfectly baked sweet potatoes. Think of it as a lighter, fresher version of loaded potatoes—minus the guilt, but full of flavor. It’s an American-style meal that brings together protein, complex carbs, and fiber in one beautiful, satisfying package.
The turkey mixture is sautéed with carrots, celery, and shallots—creating a fragrant base that feels like something you’d get from a fancy café, only you made it at home. Then, a quick thickening with broth and a touch of starch gives it that rich, saucy finish that melts right into the tender sweet potato. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes deliver all the comfort and nourishment in every bite.
Reasons to Try Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
There are a hundred reasons to love Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes, but here are my top three:
First, it’s incredibly easy. You can throw it together on autopilot after a long day—no fancy steps, no special tools. Second, it’s a feel-good meal that’s both filling and wholesome.
You’re getting lean protein, vitamins, and fiber, all wrapped up in a cozy, naturally sweet package. And third, it’s family-approved! Even the picky eaters won’t turn up their noses at this one. It’s versatile, too—you can swap in ground chicken, add spinach, or top it with cheese if you want extra richness. For those who love comforting meals like my Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey or Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, this recipe will fit right into your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1.25 lb ground turkey
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrot stalks, finely diced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
- ½ cup broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
This Step by Step guide walks you through making Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes from scratch — no stress, no fancy chef moves. Just honest, simple cooking that anyone can do. Follow along, and by the end, you’ll have a wholesome dinner that feels like comfort and health rolled into one.
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Let’s start with the base of your dish — those naturally sweet, creamy potatoes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give each sweet potato a good rinse to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry. Using a fork, poke several small holes all over each potato — this allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting while baking.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup) and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until they’re tender enough that a fork slides in easily. While they bake, your kitchen will start smelling like roasted sweetness — it’s the perfect cue to get your savory filling ready.
Pro Tip: If you love soft, caramelized edges on your sweet potatoes, rub them lightly with olive oil before baking. For more fall-inspired baking ideas, check out my Crock Pot Candied Yams — they’re the sweet cousin to this savory dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies for a Flavorful Base
Now, it’s time to build your flavor foundation. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your finely diced celery, carrots, and minced shallot. These three create what chefs call a mirepoix — a mix that gives dishes like stews, soups, and sauces their signature depth.
Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything turns soft and fragrant. You’ll notice a light golden hue starting to form on the edges — that’s the flavor magic happening.
If you’re a veggie lover, you’ll enjoy how this step mirrors the process in my Carrot and Lentil Soup, where simple vegetables transform into rich flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Next in our Step by Step process, add 1.25 pounds of ground turkey to your pan. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks, mixing it with the softened veggies. Season generously with 1 teaspoon each of paprika and garlic powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Continue to cook for 6–8 minutes, until the turkey is browned and crumbly. You’ll know it’s ready when it loses its pink color and starts to release that mouthwatering aroma of savory spices.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle in a dash of thyme or oregano — herbs that complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully. If you love the flavor profile here, you’ll probably want to bookmark my Butternut Squash Chili with Turkey for another cozy dinner idea.
Step 4: Create the Perfect Sauce
Once your turkey is mostly cooked, it’s time to give it that luscious, saucy texture. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of arrowroot (or cornstarch) and stir to coat everything evenly. Then, pour in ½ cup of broth or stock — chicken or vegetable both work perfectly.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly, creating a silky coating that binds all the flavors together. You’re aiming for a consistency that’s rich but not soupy — it should cling gently to the turkey and vegetables.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a small splash of milk or coconut cream. (For dairy-free readers, olive oil and veggie stock work just as well — check out my Creamy Vegan Potato Soup for another delicious dairy-free idea.)
Step 5: Assemble Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
Now comes the most satisfying part of this Step by Step recipe — assembling your masterpiece. Once the sweet potatoes are baked to perfection, carefully slice each one open lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides to make room for your turkey mixture.
Spoon two generous scoops of the ground turkey filling into each potato. Let some of it spill over the sides — that’s where the rustic charm comes in. The heat from the filling will melt slightly into the potato flesh, creating a cozy blend of sweet and savory in every bite.
To finish, top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley. If you’re in a cheesy mood, a bit of shredded mozzarella or cheddar takes it up a notch. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and inviting.
For a side dish that complements this meal beautifully, try pairing it with my Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup — it’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for chilly nights.
Step 6: Make It Your Own
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes Step by Step guide is all about flexibility. You can easily tweak it to fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need to sneak in extra veggies for the kids? Toss in chopped spinach or zucchini.
You can even turn this into a meal-prep win by doubling the turkey mixture and using it in wraps, grain bowls, or tacos later in the week. For another easy turkey-based meal idea, take a look at my No Bean Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili — it’s another powerhouse of flavor and nutrition.
Final Step: Serve, Savor, and Share
Serve your Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes warm, right out of the oven. The combination of creamy sweet potato, seasoned turkey, and tender veggies creates that “wow” moment at first bite. It’s nourishing, comforting, and simple enough to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Don’t forget to snap a quick photo before digging in — this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious! And if you’re craving more cozy, wholesome meals, check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe next.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
This dish shines on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just want a little something extra, pair it with a crisp salad or a cozy soup. A side of Carrot and Lentil Soup adds warmth and color, while Crock Pot Candied Yams can turn it into a hearty fall feast. For something green, a simple roasted broccoli or garlic green beans work perfectly. If you love textures, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess—it balances out the sweet and savory flavors in the most satisfying way.
Key Tips for Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes: Look for medium-to-large sweet potatoes with smooth skin. They bake up tender and fluffy.
- Don’t skip the mirepoix: The combo of celery, carrots, and shallots builds a rich, savory base.
- Avoid overcooking the turkey: Keep it juicy by removing it from the heat as soon as it’s browned.
- Thickening magic: A small spoon of starch goes a long way—don’t go overboard, or it’ll get too pasty.
- Add your twist: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes
Leftovers? You’re in luck. Store any extras in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave each potato for about 1–2 minutes, or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. If the turkey mixture thickens up too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water before reheating to loosen it up. You can also freeze the cooked ground turkey filling separately for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and serve it over freshly baked sweet potatoes. Perfect for those nights when dinner needs to be quick, nourishing, and delicious.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake your sweet potatoes and cook the turkey mixture a day ahead. Assemble when ready to eat.
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. It works just as well and keeps the dish lean and flavorful.
Q: What broth works best?
Either chicken or vegetable broth. Use what you have on hand.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil.
Final Thoughts
Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of meal that fits right into your busy schedule while still giving you that warm, satisfying “home-cooked” feeling. It’s light yet filling, simple yet full of flavor—a perfect reminder that real food doesn’t need to be complicated to be nourishing. Try pairing it with a cozy bowl of Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup next time you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potatoes – Quick, Healthy, and Satisfying Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A weeknight-friendly dinner of lean ground turkey and vegetables served inside perfectly baked sweet potatoes. Hearty, healthy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1.25 lb ground turkey
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrot stalks, finely diced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
- ½ cup broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375º and prepare the sweet potatoes by rinsing, pat drying, and poking a few holes in each of the potatoes. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a medium frying pan, add the butter and begin to sauté the mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion) until fragrant and soft, approximately 5–7 minutes.
3. Add in the ground turkey, season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Once the ground turkey is mostly cooked, add in the arrowroot or cornstarch and broth.
5. Turn to a low flame and cook until thickened, approximately 5–10 minutes.
6. When the ground turkey mixture is thick, slice open the sweet potatoes and scoop two spoonfuls of the ground turkey into each sweet potato.
7. Optional to top with fresh thyme, and serve.
Notes
You can substitute arrowroot with cornstarch if needed.
Try adding chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
To make it dairy-free, swap butter with olive oil.
