Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This cozy dish is like a hug in food form—savory turkey and sweet cranberries tucked into perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of holiday leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving. But honestly, this recipe is too good to save just for holidays. With a delicious combination of flavors and textures, it works just as well for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory filling, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy finish, making it a delightful combination of comfort and elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use extra turkey from holidays.
  • Balanced Flavors: The sweet and savory combination creates a delightful taste experience.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, and the dish offers a good amount of lean protein.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps with easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Versatile: Can be served as a main meal, a hearty side dish, or for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes – The star of the dish, sweet and creamy when roasted.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – One tablespoon for roasting the potatoes, and one for preparing the turkey filling.
  • 2 cups cooked ground turkey – You can use freshly cooked or leftover turkey.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the turkey.
  • ½ tsp onion powder – Enhances the flavor with a mild sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Brings out the flavor of the filling.
  • ½ cup dried cranberries – Adds a touch of tart sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) – For a bit of crunch and nuttiness. Swap with pecans if desired.
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese – Adds a tangy creaminess to finish the dish.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh, herbal garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot. This temperature ensures that the sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop a caramelized exterior while staying soft inside.

Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Use a fork to prick the skins in several places, which allows steam to escape while roasting. Rub each potato with a little olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You’ll know they’re done when the skin looks wrinkled, and the insides are soft and sweet.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Filling
While the potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked ground turkey to the pan and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the turkey through.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Nuts
Stir in the dried cranberries and walnuts (if using). The cranberries add a touch of sweetness, while the walnuts lend a bit of crunch. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside.

Step 5: Slice and Mash the Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, carefully slice each one lengthwise. Use a fork to gently mash the insides, creating a fluffy base for the turkey filling. Be careful not to tear the skins, as they’ll act as a bowl for the stuffing.

Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes
Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture into each roasted sweet potato. Make sure to pile it high—there’s no need to hold back!

Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle each stuffed potato with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory filling. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes while they’re warm. They can be enjoyed as a main dish, a side, or even part of your holiday spread.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you don’t have leftover turkey, ground turkey cooked fresh works just as well.
  • Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try using pecans for a slightly sweeter crunch. You can also skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
  • Customize the Cheese: Goat cheese offers a creamy, tangy finish, but you can substitute feta if you prefer a saltier bite.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These stuffed potatoes keep well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for an easy lunch or dinner.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course or Side Dish
  • Method: Baking and Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~340 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 400 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! While sweet potatoes provide the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, you can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a different twist. Just note that the flavor profile will be less sweet.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stuffed potatoes in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Can I freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes?
Yes! Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers make excellent additions to the turkey filling, adding even more nutrients and flavor.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, here are a few other recipes you’ll enjoy:

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor, perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re using holiday leftovers or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, these stuffed sweet potatoes will become a fast favorite. They’re wholesome, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. So, grab some sweet potatoes, and let’s get cooking—because these are too good to wait for the holidays!

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Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes


  • Author: Martha

Description

This cozy dish is like a hug in food form—savory turkey and sweet cranberries tucked into perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of holiday leftovers, especially after Thanksgiving. But honestly, this recipe is too good to save just for holidays. With a delicious combination of flavors and textures, it works just as well for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory filling, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy finish, making it a delightful combination of comfort and elegance.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes – The star of the dish, sweet and creamy when roasted.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – One tablespoon for roasting the potatoes, and one for preparing the turkey filling.
  • 2 cups cooked ground turkey – You can use freshly cooked or leftover turkey.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the turkey.
  • ½ tsp onion powder – Enhances the flavor with a mild sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Brings out the flavor of the filling.
  • ½ cup dried cranberries – Adds a touch of tart sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) – For a bit of crunch and nuttiness. Swap with pecans if desired.
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese – Adds a tangy creaminess to finish the dish.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh, herbal garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot. This temperature ensures that the sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop a caramelized exterior while staying soft inside.

Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Use a fork to prick the skins in several places, which allows steam to escape while roasting. Rub each potato with a little olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. You’ll know they’re done when the skin looks wrinkled, and the insides are soft and sweet.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey Filling
While the potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked ground turkey to the pan and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the turkey through.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Nuts
Stir in the dried cranberries and walnuts (if using). The cranberries add a touch of sweetness, while the walnuts lend a bit of crunch. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside.

Step 5: Slice and Mash the Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, carefully slice each one lengthwise. Use a fork to gently mash the insides, creating a fluffy base for the turkey filling. Be careful not to tear the skins, as they’ll act as a bowl for the stuffing.

Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes
Spoon the turkey and cranberry mixture into each roasted sweet potato. Make sure to pile it high—there’s no need to hold back!

Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish
Sprinkle each stuffed potato with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory filling. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes while they’re warm. They can be enjoyed as a main dish, a side, or even part of your holiday spread.

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