Name: Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed); ½ cup canned corn (drained); ½ cup diced tomatoes; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Prepare yourself for a hearty, flavor-packed comfort meal that balances vibrant color and wholesome goodness: Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser, combining sweet, roasted potatoes with a zesty, spiced turkey filling for the kind of meal that feels as fun to serve as it is to dig into. With every bite, you get a perfect trio of creamy sweet potato, savory turkey, and toppings that bring it all together—making this dish as nourishing as it is crave-worthy.

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients—each one adds its own special color, flavor, or texture. Gather these pantry and fridge staples for a meal that looks stunning and tastes even better!

Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with bold, savory fillings and they roast up perfectly fluffy every time.
Olive oil: Just enough to sauté the onions and turkey, lending a touch of richness without heaviness.
Onion: Finely diced to form the aromatic base—so much flavor starts here!
Garlic: Minced for punchy, irresistible aromas that shine through in the filling.
Lean ground turkey: The main protein—tender, juicy, and absorbs every bit of spice.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and appetizing color to the turkey.
Chili powder: Adds a gentle, earthy heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Ground cumin: For that warm, nutty flavor layer you don’t want to skip.
Sea salt: Just enough to enhance and unite all the flavors.
Black pepper: A finishing kick that rounds out the spices.
Black beans: Boosts protein and adds creamy texture—rinse well for the best flavor.
Canned corn: Drains easily and delivers sweet pops of color in every bite.
Diced tomatoes: They keep the filling juicy and bring tangy brightness.
Fresh cilantro: Sprinkle at the end for a hit of herbal freshness and color.
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey finish that seals in flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional): The cool, creamy topper that contrasts every warm, savory mouthful.

How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then wash and pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork to let the steam escape. Place them directly on the oven rack and let them bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The skins will crisp and the centers will turn soft and luscious—a perfect base for the ground turkey filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey

While your sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and let them cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 or 4 minutes. Add the garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until the whole kitchen smells amazing. Next, crumble in the ground turkey. Let it cook, stirring regularly, until nicely browned and crumbly with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Spice it Up

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper right over the turkey. Stir it all around until the meat is evenly coated and the color deepens—you’ll notice the aroma takes on a new depth as the spices toast and blend.

Step 4: Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

Time to layer in even more flavor. Pour in your black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The filling will get saucy and vibrant, and all those flavors will meld beautifully. Don’t rush this part—it’s where the magic happens.

Step 5: Stuff and Finish in the Oven

When the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, pull them from the oven and carefully slice each one down the center. Use a fork to gently fluff and mash the flesh, making a little well for your filling. Spoon heaps of the turkey mixture into each sweet potato, pile it high! Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, then pop everything back in the oven for 5 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top and, if you like, dollop with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve right away for maximum melty goodness—your Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are ready to impress!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

Toppings are what turn this dish from great to unforgettable. A handful of chopped cilantro adds color and a fresh, citrusy flavor, while Greek yogurt or sour cream brings a cool, creamy contrast. For extra crunch, try scattering a few toasted pepitas or thinly sliced green onions over the top—each bite gets even better!

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, think crisp and light. A simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, some roasted Brussels sprouts, or a cup of tortilla soup all make perfect companions. Their fresh, bright flavors balance the richness of the stuffed potatoes without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

There are tons of ways to have fun with this meal! Serve the stuffed potatoes right in their skins for a rustic, cozy look, or scoop the potato flesh into a casserole dish, layer with filling, and bake for an easy, family-style platter. For parties, try making mini versions with baby sweet potatoes for adorable, hand-held bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes tasting fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days, making them fantastic for meal prep or easy lunches later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the leftovers, let each stuffed potato cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to two months—perfect for stashing away a comforting meal for a rainy day.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20 minutes if thawed). Short on time? You can also microwave them for 2 to 3 minutes per potato. Top with fresh cilantro and a new dollop of yogurt or sour cream to revive that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken makes a wonderful substitute and takes on the seasonings just as well, so you won’t miss a bit of flavor or texture.

Are Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes gluten free?

Yes—they’re naturally gluten free as written, just make sure any cheese or additional toppings are also gluten free if you’re cooking for someone with that need.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild but flavorful! The smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin add warmth without too much heat. For a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeño.

Can I make Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes dairy free?

You sure can. Just leave out the cheese and swap Greek yogurt or sour cream for your favorite dairy-free alternative—the dish still tastes fantastic.

What’s the best way to meal prep these?

Prepare each component ahead of time and keep them separate until serving for best results. You can fully assemble and refrigerate, then reheat and add fresh garnishes right before serving for quick meals all week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and big flavor, Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes should shoot straight to the top of your dinner list. Give them a try—you may just find yourself coming back for seconds and sharing the recipe with everyone you know!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to make. Tender sweet potatoes are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, beans, corn, and spices, then topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Wash and pierce sweet potatoes, bake for 45–50 minutes.
Saute filling: Heat oil in a skillet, cook onions until translucent. Add garlic, turkey, seasonings, beans, corn, and tomatoes; simmer.
Prepare sweet potatoes: Slice each down the center, mash the flesh slightly to make space.
Fill potatoes: Spoon turkey mixture into each sweet potato, top with cheese, bake for 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and yogurt or sour cream.

Notes

You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like bell peppers or jalapeños.
Feel free to top with avocado slices or salsa for extra flavor.
These stuffed sweet potatoes can be a complete meal on their own, but you can serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sauteing
Cuisine: American