Description
This hearty and wholesome meal is perfect for busy weeknights, post-workout dinners, or meal prep. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a savory, protein-rich ground turkey filling, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Customizable with your favorite toppings and spices, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that fits into nearly any dietary plan.
Ingredients
-
4 medium sweet potatoes
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for rubbing potatoes)
-
Salt to taste
For the Turkey Filling:
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 red bell pepper, diced
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon ground cumin
-
½ teaspoon chili powder
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tablespoon tomato paste
-
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Optional Toppings:
-
Sliced avocado
-
Greek yogurt or sour cream
-
Chopped fresh cilantro
-
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
-
Lime wedges
-
Hot sauce
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Pierce each one with a fork a few times and optionally rub with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes or until fork-tender.
-
While potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
-
Stir in garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
-
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–9 minutes.
-
Season the meat mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in tomato paste and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
When sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a slit lengthwise down the center and gently mash the inside with a fork.
-
Spoon the ground turkey filling evenly into each sweet potato.
-
Add desired toppings like avocado, Greek yogurt, cheese, or cilantro. Serve warm.
Notes
-
For quicker prep, sweet potatoes can be microwaved for 6–8 minutes instead of oven-baked.
-
Make the filling ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Add black beans, corn, or greens like spinach for extra nutrition.
-
Ground chicken or beef can be used instead of turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes