Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato – Healthy Comfort Food dd

When life feels like a juggling act (hello, soccer practice, homework help, and trying to remember if I switched the laundry), recipes like Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato come to the rescue. This meal is hearty, wholesome, and so simple you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been in your weeknight rotation all along.

I still remember the first time I made these for my kids—my middle one looked suspiciously at the spinach tucked inside but was sold the second he saw the melted cheddar on top. Cheese really does work miracles in motherhood.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes (faster if you microwave the potatoes).
• Packed with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies.
• Kid-approved (cheese topping = no complaints).
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegetarian-friendly.
• Comfort food that doesn’t leave you sluggish afterward.

What Does Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato Taste Like?

Think cozy Tex-Mex vibes. You get the natural sweetness of the roasted potato, the savory punch of seasoned ground turkey, and the freshness from zucchini, spinach, and tomatoes. Add gooey cheddar and a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa, and it’s basically a flavor party on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato

One of the best parts about making Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato is how simple the ingredients are—you probably already have most of them hanging out in your pantry or fridge. Each ingredient plays a role in building that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice. Let’s break it down:

Sweet Potatoes (the star of the show)

• 4 medium sweet potatoes – Look for potatoes that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory turkey filling.
• ⅓ teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy depth to the potato mash.
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil – Either one works here! Both help bring a creamy texture to the mashed sweet potato while keeping it light.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip seasoning. Even the potato base needs a little love.

Ground Turkey Filling (hearty and flavorful)

• 1 pound lean ground turkey – I recommend using 93% lean, but if you prefer extra juicy filling, 85% works too. Ground turkey is the perfect lighter protein, and I use it in so many dinners (like my Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet).
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and keeping the turkey moist.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is non-negotiable—it’s the flavor foundation.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – A repeat appearance, but it really ties the whole dish together.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Gives an herby balance to the spices.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For a mild kick (don’t worry, it’s not too spicy).
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you go so your filling never tastes bland.

Veggie Boost (because we moms love sneaking them in)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juices – Brings moisture and tang.
• 1 medium zucchini, grated – This practically disappears into the turkey filling (hello, veggie win!).
• 1 large handful spinach, chopped – A pop of green that wilts down perfectly.
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional) – Adds creaminess and extra fiber.
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – For a little sweetness and crunch.

Topping Must-Haves

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – The melty topping that seals the deal.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced – For freshness and crunch.
• Salsa or plain Greek yogurt – Both make excellent toppings; Greek yogurt is my favorite sour cream swap.

👉 If you’re a fan of cozy, protein-packed dinners, you’ll also love my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole. It’s another delicious way to bring ground turkey to the table!

How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato

Making Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato at home is much easier than it looks. Follow these step-by-step directions, and you’ll have a hearty, wholesome dinner on the table in no time:

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

You have two easy options here depending on how much time you’ve got:

• Microwave Method (Quickest):
  • Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to let the steam escape.
  • Cook one at a time in the microwave, about 3 minutes per side, until fork-tender.
  • Carefully remove and set aside to cool slightly.
• Oven Method (Most Flavorful):
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
  • Pierce each sweet potato all over with a fork, then bake for 45–50 minutes until tender.
  • Let cool before handling.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re already baking something else—like my Juicy Turkey Meatloaf—you can pop the sweet potatoes in the oven at the same time to save energy.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Sweet Potato Base

• Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise.
• Gently scoop out the flesh, leaving the skins intact (they’ll act as little “boats” for your filling).
• Transfer the flesh to a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.
• Stir in olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon the mash back evenly into each sweet potato skin.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey Filling

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until lightly browned.
• Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the turkey evenly.
• Mix in the diced tomatoes, grated zucchini, spinach, beans, and corn. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the veggies soften and the mixture is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Arrange the sweet potato halves on a baking sheet.
• Spoon the turkey mixture generously over each potato.
• Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Broil Until Golden and Bubbly

• Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 6–8 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
• Keep a close eye on them—broilers work fast!

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

• Garnish each stuffed sweet potato with sliced green onions, a spoonful of salsa, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
• Serve warm and watch them disappear!

👉 Leftover tip: If you happen to make extra filling (and I often do), use it the next day in tacos or toss it over rice for a quick lunch. It’s similar to how I stretch recipes like my Honey Garlic Ground Turkey for busy weekdays.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Don’t skip the broil—the cheese crust is heavenly.
• If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes. Trust me, no one will know.
• Vegetarian swap: Use lentils or quinoa instead of turkey.
• Meal prep hack: Make the turkey filling ahead and just bake the potatoes when ready to serve.
• Leftover filling? Toss it into tacos or over rice for an easy lunch.

Storage for Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each stuffed potato in foil, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

FAQs

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded option.

What if my kids don’t like sweet potatoes?
Try swapping with russet potatoes—they’ll still be delicious.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. It’s a terrific dish for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

These Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect mix of nourishing, satisfying, and family-friendly. Whether it’s a crazy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

If you give it a try, tag me on Instagram or leave a rating—I’d love to see your creations!

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