High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe is a delicious, nutritious meal that combines tender baked sweet potatoes with a savory, spiced ground turkey filling packed with vegetables. It’s topped with melted cheddar cheese, green onions, salsa, and creamy Greek yogurt, offering a balanced dish high in protein and vibrant flavors perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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 Filling
- 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 their 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, to serve
- Plain Greek yogurt, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork. You can either microwave them one at a time for about 3 minutes per side until soft or bake them in a preheated oven at 425ºF for 45 to 50 minutes until tender. Allow them to cool before proceeding.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once cooled, slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, preserving the skins. Gently mash the flesh with a fork or potato masher, then mix in olive oil and ground cumin for added flavor.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the 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. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Place the empty sweet potato skins on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the skins. Top each with a generous amount of the turkey mixture and then sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Broil and Serve: Place the baking sheet under the oven broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with green onions, salsa, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Notes
- You can cook sweet potatoes either by microwave or oven-baking depending on your time and preference.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Optional ingredients like black beans and corn boost fiber and nutrition but can be omitted as desired.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a higher protein and lower fat topping.
- Adjust spices according to taste for desired heat and flavor intensity.
Keywords: high protein, ground turkey, stuffed sweet potato, healthy dinner, baked sweet potatoes, lean protein, nutritious meal
