Stuffed sweet potatoes with turkey make a hearty and colorful meal! The creamy sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with savory turkey, spices, and a hint of cheese.
These stuffed beauties are perfect for any dinner. I love them because they are filling yet healthy. Plus, they look so pretty on a plate that you’ll feel like a fancy chef!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for medium-sized ones that are firm and smooth. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can work well too, though the flavor will change.
Ground Turkey: A great lean protein! If you prefer, use ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian twist.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweetness. If you don’t have any, feel free to swap with green bell pepper or another vegetable like zucchini for extra nutrients.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin give this dish a warm flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can be a great substitute. Adjust spices based on your taste preference!
How Do You Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and makes them tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water to clean them, then pierce them several times with a fork. This helps steam escape during roasting!
- Place them on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and roast for about 45-60 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork—the inside should be soft.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing open. This makes handling them much easier!
With these tips, your sweet potatoes will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal will take about 60-75 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 45-60 minutes baking the sweet potatoes in the oven. It’s a simple process with delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, give the sweet potatoes a good scrub under water to clean them. Use a fork to pierce each sweet potato several times, as this helps steam escape while they cook. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45-60 minutes until they are soft and tender. You’ll know they are ready when a fork easily pierces through them.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
While the sweet potatoes are busy roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
3. Cook the Turkey:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until it smells wonderful. Then, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Using a spoon, break the turkey into smaller pieces and cook. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
4. Season the Filling:
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine beautifully.
5. Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle. Carefully slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the middle. Gently open them and use a fork to fluff the inside, slightly mashing the sweet potato for an even creamier texture. Now, fill each potato skin generously with the savory turkey mixture.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Top each stuffed sweet potato with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bit of color and freshness. If you’d like, add a small sprig of dill on top for added flavor. Serve these delicious stuffed sweet potatoes warm and enjoy your wholesome meal!
These stuffed sweet potatoes are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying dish that’s sure to please anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! While ground turkey is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you’d like to boost the flavor even more, consider adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. You can also mix in some cheese when filling the sweet potatoes for an extra creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Dishes Pair Well With Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
These stuffed sweet potatoes can be enjoyed on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete meal. They also go great with rice or quinoa if you want to add a grain side!
