When it comes to creating a meal that balances health, flavor, and ease of preparation, stuffed sweet potatoes are a game-changer. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a savory filling of ground turkey, shredded carrots, zucchini, and white beans. It’s not just a meal; it’s a nutrient-packed delight that satisfies your taste buds and fuels your body.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Balanced: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Adding lean ground turkey provides protein, while white beans, shredded carrots, and zucchini boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or substitute ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2-4 sweet potatoes
- Ground turkey (1 lb for 4 people, ½ lb for 2 people)
- 2 large shredded carrots (or 4 small carrots)
- 1 medium shredded zucchini
- 1 can of white beans
Seasonings (season to taste):
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (or other meat browning seasoning of choice for coloring)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of cayenne peppers or red chili flakes for a spicy kick
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- BBQ sauce (my daughter’s favorite)
Directions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, wrap them in aluminum foil, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a knife.
2. Cook the Filling While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned. Stir in the shredded carrots, zucchini, white beans, and seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin powder, oregano powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Once the sweet potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the interior with a fork to create a pocket for the filling.
Spoon the turkey mixture into each sweet potato. Top with avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or BBQ sauce for added flavor, if desired.
4. Serve and Enjoy! Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes as a standalone meal or pair them with a fresh green salad for extra crunch and color.
Perfect For Meal Prep
These stuffed sweet potatoes are a delightful combination of hearty, healthy, and satisfying. They’re perfect for meal prepping because the components can be prepared in advance and stored. Simply bake the sweet potatoes, cook the filling, and store them in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When it’s time to eat, reheat, assemble, and enjoy a nutritious meal in minutes.
Whether you’re planning meals for a busy week, hosting a casual dinner, or just looking for a way to elevate your sweet potato game, this recipe checks all the boxes. Wholesome eating doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be delicious and convenient.
So, next time you’re looking for a meal prep-friendly idea that nourishes your body and delights your palate, give these stuffed sweet potatoes a try. Your taste buds (and your health) will thank you!
Inspired by: Nourished by Nic’s Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
