These stuffed sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! They’re filled with juicy turkey, spices, and topped with creamy goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Honestly, I can’t resist how colorful and fun they look on my plate. Plus, they’re packed with nutrition! I love enjoying them with a sprinkle of cheese on top! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! They are sweet, soft, and nutritious. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap them with regular potatoes, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy! If you prefer red meat, ground beef or pork works well too. For a vegetarian option, use cooked quinoa or lentils!
Onion and Garlic: They add layers of flavor! You can replace onion with shallots and use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available. Fresh herbs can also make a tasty addition.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Feel free to use regular paprika or even chili powder for a bit of heat.
Feta Cheese: Adds a nice tang! You can substitute with goat cheese, cottage cheese, or omit it completely for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and enhances flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes well and poke a few holes with a fork. This prevents them from bursting while cooking!
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes. The skin should be crispy, and they should feel soft inside when pierced with a fork.
Letting them cool a bit afterwards makes them easier to handle when you scoop out the flesh.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small cucumber, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or a similar crumbly cheese
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 60 minutes of cooking time. You will spend around 45-60 minutes roasting the sweet potatoes, followed by about 15-20 minutes on the turkey filling and assembling everything together. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your sweet potatoes a good scrub to clean them up. Then, using a fork, poke some holes in each potato. This helps them cook evenly and prevents bursting. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast them for about 45-60 minutes, or until they feel soft when you poke them with a fork.
2. Cook the Turkey Filling:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they are nice and translucent, around 3-5 minutes. Next, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to let all those yummy flavors blend together!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Once the turkey is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Now stir in the diced cucumber and your choice of chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
4. Stuff the Potatoes:
When the sweet potatoes are nicely roasted, take them out of the oven and let them cool a little. Slice each potato in half lengthwise, and using a spoon, scoop out some of the soft flesh into a bowl—make sure to leave enough so the skins hold their shape. Gently mash the scooped sweet potato and mix it back into the turkey filling mixture.
5. Finish & Serve:
Spoon the tasty turkey and sweet potato mixture back into each sweet potato skin, heaping it up generously. To add some creaminess and flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. If you want to warm it up even more and slightly melt the cheese, pop them back into the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, for a lovely touch, garnish your stuffed sweet potatoes with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve these hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of turkey, you can substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, consider using cooked quinoa, lentils, or black beans to make it hearty and satisfying!
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can make the turkey filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, warm it up on the stove before stuffing the sweet potatoes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover stuffed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic!