These stuffed sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! Filled with juicy turkey, spices, and topped with all the good stuff, they’re hearty and satisfying.
Honestly, who knew sweet potatoes could be so filling? I love how easy these are to make, and they are perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, they look amazing on the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These make the perfect base for this dish! Choose medium-sized ones for even cooking. If you want, you can swap them with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different twist.
Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful, ground turkey keeps this dish light. You can easily replace it with cooked shredded chicken or plant-based ground meat if you prefer a meatless option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor! If you’re not a fan, feel free to use fresh diced tomatoes or omit them altogether. Another option is to use roasted red peppers for a different taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika is fantastic for a deep flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work too. Just keep in mind they will give a slightly different taste.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes?
Cooking sweet potatoes properly is key to this recipe. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely soft texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and washing the potatoes well.
- Pierce each potato a few times with a fork—this helps them steam while baking.
- Place them on a baking sheet to catch any drips and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re easily pierced with a fork.
Taking the time to roast them well makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to cook the sweet potatoes and filling, plus an additional 10-15 minutes to reheat the stuffed potatoes. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by washing the sweet potatoes, then use a fork to pierce them a few times. This will let steam escape as they bake.
2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when you pierce them with a fork. While they cook, you can prepare the filling.
3. Cook the Turkey Filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and translucent.
4. Brown the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Add Flavor with Spices:
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes to help the flavors blend. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
6. Fill the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise.
7. Scoop and Combine:
Using a spoon, gently scoop out some of the sweet potato flesh, making sure to leave enough potato to keep the skin sturdy. Mix the scooped sweet potato with the turkey filling until combined.
8. Stuff and Bake:
Spoon the turkey and sweet potato mixture back into the potato skins, packing it in generously. You want it to be nice and full! Then return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven. Garnish them with chopped green onions and fresh rosemary if you like. Serve them warm and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Each bite of these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Turkey hits the spot! They’re not only filling but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning as needed for the different meat types!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few minutes or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Prep These Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it separately in the fridge. Just bake the sweet potatoes and stuff them right before serving to keep them fresh.
How Can I Make These Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken for more flavor. Ensure that the sweet potatoes and any other ingredients are vegan-friendly!