High-Protein Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

I started making these stuffed sweet potatoes on nights when I wanted something that felt like a treat but still kept me full until morning. The sweet potato gets all caramelized and soft in the oven while the turkey simmers down with taco spices until it's saucy and rich.

The trick is to season the turkey aggressively and then cool the heat with a big dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You get the creamy taco-night vibe with an extra punch of protein, and the whole thing comes together on one sheet pan plus a skillet.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup water or salsa
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub sweet potatoes with olive oil, poke a few holes with a fork, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 35–45 minutes, until a knife slides in easily.
  2. While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook 6–8 minutes, until no pink remains.
  3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in water or salsa, scrape up any browned bits, and simmer 3–4 minutes until the mixture is saucy but not wet. Taste and adjust salt.
  5. Split each roasted sweet potato open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the potatoes.
  6. Top with cheese, lettuce, avocado, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with cilantro if using, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 34gFat: 19g

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Tips for Success

Pick sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size so they roast evenly—look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have no soft spots. If you're short on time, microwave them for 5 minutes first, then finish in the oven to get that roasted flavor.

Ground turkey can dry out fast, so keep the heat at medium and stir in a splash of water or salsa right at the end. And don't skip the Greek yogurt—it's what makes each bite taste like a loaded taco instead of plain ground meat.

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