Looking for a high-protein meal that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy nights? These Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and flavor in every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option. Each sweet potato is filled with seasoned ground turkey and wholesome ingredients that fuel your body and keep you satisfied. Great for family dinners or healthy lunches on the go.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These turkey stuffed sweet potatoes have become a regular rotation in our kitchen, and for good reason:
- Fast & Fuss-Free: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with Nutrition: Lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, and naturally sweet potatoes.
- Totally Customizable: Choose your favorite toppings, add more veggies, or swap proteins.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheat beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
Imagine this: soft roasted sweet potatoes, lightly mashed with cumin, filled with a smoky Tex-Mex style turkey and veggie mixture, topped with melty cheese, and broiled to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that tastes indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
- Sweet potatoes – Look for medium to large, wide ones for easier stuffing.
- Ground turkey – A lean and protein-rich base. Can sub with ground chicken, beef, or even lentils.
- Zucchini & spinach – Mild veggies that blend in seamlessly (great for picky eaters!).
- Canned diced tomatoes – Adds flavor, moisture, and color. Use the juices too!
- Garlic & olive oil – Classic aromatics that build the base of flavor.
- Spices – Cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Or swap with your favorite taco seasoning.
- Cheddar cheese – Melts like a dream. Feel free to sub with your preferred cheese.
- Optional: Black beans & corn – For added fiber and a heartier texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Bake or microwave your sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Let them cool slightly, then cut lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a bowl (leave the skins intact).
Mash the sweet potato with olive oil and cumin. Spoon the mixture back into the skins and set aside.
2. Cook the Turkey Filling
In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
Stir in your spices, then toss in canned tomatoes, grated zucchini, spinach, black beans, and corn. Cook until the mixture is hot and veggies are softened.
3. Assemble & Broil
Top each sweet potato boat with the savory turkey mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Broil for 6–8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish & Serve Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Finish with green onions, salsa, sour cream, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt — anything goes!
💡 Pro Tip: These Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch and enjoy them all week long.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free? Use your favorite plant-based cheese.
- Vegan? Swap turkey for lentils, tofu crumbles, or meatless ground.
- Gluten-Free? These are naturally gluten-free!
- Nut-Free? No nuts here, so you’re good to go.
Delicious Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own:
- Proteins: Try ground beef, chicken, or tempeh.
- Veggies: Add shredded carrots, red bell peppers, kale, or cauliflower rice.
- Toppings: Sour cream, avocado slices, green onions, salsa, chopped cilantro, or even hot sauce.
Storage Tips Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually (before adding cheese) and freeze. Reheat, top with cheese, and microwave until heated through.
- Meal Prep Hack: Bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time so you can assemble quickly during the week.
Expert Tips for Success
- Go for wide sweet potatoes — they’re easier to stuff.
- Use a fork to mash the sweet potatoes right in the skin if you want fewer dishes.
- A pre-made taco seasoning works great in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the broil — that cheesy, golden top makes the dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! White potatoes work well, though sweet potatoes add a nice natural sweetness that complements the savory turkey.
Can I leave out the veggies?
Yes — but we recommend adding a side salad for balance if you skip the extra veggies.
How can I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Sriracha Chicken: A Sweet & Spicy Dinner Recipe
- Keto Big Mac Smash Burgers
- Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks
Conclusion
This Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe is more than just a quick dinner — it’s a go-to that brings flavor, flexibility, and feel-good nutrition to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, it’s a dish worth keeping in your rotation.
High-Protein Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Filling
- 1 lb lean ground turkey see notes for vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with their juices
- 1 medium zucchini grated
- 1 large handful of Spinach chopped
- 1 cup Black Beans rinsed and drained optional
- 1 cup corn kernels I usually use frozen! optional
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Optional Toppings
- 2 Green onions thinly sliced
- salsa
- plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
For the Sweet Potatoes
- *Microwave cooking method* Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork and cook one at a time in the microwave for about 3 minutes each side (until soft, this may vary based on your microwave), carefully remove from microwave and allow to cool.
- *Oven cooking method* Preheat oven to 425ºF. On a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake until tender, 45 to 50 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooled, slice length wise and scoop out the inside potato flesh (being careful to keep the skins intact because you'll need them later), add potato flesh to large bowl and gently mash the potatoes using a fork or potato masher. Mix in the olive oil and ground cumin.
- Distribute the potato mash evenly back into each of the potato skins
For Ground Turkey
- In a large pan, add olive oil and garlic over medium high heat and cook until fragrant, Add turkey meat and cook until brown
- Add spices and stir meat until spices are fully mixed in. Add in the diced tomatoes and black bean, corn, and grated zucchini and spinach if you're using and stir until warm. Stir in black beans and corn kernels.
For the Final Product
- Arrange potato skins on a cookie sheet and distribute mashed sweet potato into each skin. Top with turkey meat mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese
- Broil assembled potatoes in the oven for about 6-8 minutes until cheese begins to brown
- Remove from oven and I like to serve with green onions, salsa and sour cream (or plain greek yogurt)
