– **Title**: High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 medium sweet potatoes
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender, depending on the size.
3. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until heated through.
7. Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Then slice each potato down the center and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
8. Stuff each sweet potato with the turkey mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese.
9. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired. Enjoy your high protein meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. If you want a different flavor, you can swap for regular potatoes or even butternut squash.
Ground Turkey: Lean and high in protein, ground turkey is a great choice. If you prefer beef or chicken, those work well too. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute or cooked lentils.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but frozen spinach can save time and keep well. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water if using frozen.
Bell Pepper: Any color is fine! Red, yellow, or green—each adds a different sweetness. Swap with diced zucchini or mushrooms for a twist.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are delicious, but feel free to use your favorite cheese like pepper jack for heat or feta for a tangy flavor. You can skip cheese for a dairy-free option.
How Can You Bake Sweet Potatoes to Perfection?
Baking sweet potatoes requires some patience, but the results are well worth it! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Always pierce with a fork to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent them from bursting in the oven!
- Place the sweet potatoes on a lined baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes. Cooking time depends on size, so check with a fork for tenderness.
Let them cool briefly before cutting. This technique ensures you’ll have a soft, sweet filling for your stuffed potatoes.
High Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and around 60-75 minutes total—45-60 minutes for baking the sweet potatoes and 15-20 minutes for preparing the stuffing and final baking. It’s simple and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Now, take your sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork several times. This helps them cook evenly. Place them on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when you stick a fork into them.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, it’s time to prepare the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, stirring often to avoid burning.
3. Cook the Turkey and Mix with Spinach:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the spinach along with the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is integrated, around 2-3 minutes. After that, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Stuff the Sweet Potatoes:
When the sweet potatoes are done, carefully take them out of the oven and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out a portion of the flesh (you can save this for another recipe if you want!) to create space for the filling. Now, generously stuff each half with the turkey and spinach mixture. Top each stuffed potato with the shredded cheese.
5. Final Bake and Serve:
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool slightly. If you like, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top before serving. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Meat Instead of Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as lean meats may cook faster than fattier ones!
Can I Prepare the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the sweet potatoes, bake and stuff them ahead of time, then reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water in the container to keep them moist.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them long enough to soften before mixing them with the turkey.
