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Flavorful Turkey and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

turkey and black bean stuffed sweet potatoes - featured image

A quick and easy healthy dinner recipe featuring baked sweet potatoes stuffed with spiced ground turkey and black beans, topped with fresh cilantro and lime for a comforting and nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1 pound ground turkey (450g)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425g), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional toppings: plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
  2. Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  3. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 45-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. While the potatoes bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, avoiding browning.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  8. Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Add the drained black beans and stir gently to combine and warm through, about 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and let cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise without cutting all the way through and gently press ends to open a pocket.
  11. Fill each sweet potato with the turkey and black bean mixture. Top with shredded cheese if desired to melt slightly.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges and optional dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking turkey to keep it juicy. Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Let sweet potatoes cool slightly before stuffing to prevent watery filling. For a shortcut, microwave sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes instead of baking. Optional toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds or hot sauce add texture and heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey stuffed sweet potatoes, black bean stuffed sweet potatoes, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free, high protein