Protein Sweet Potato Boats: Hearty Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Protein-loaded sweet potato boats make a hearty, satisfying weeknight meal. Easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Roasted Sweet Potato Canvas
01 -
4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs total)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 tsp salt
04 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Hearty Protein & Veggie Filling
05 -
1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
07 -
1/2 yellow onion, diced
08 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
09 -
1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
10 -
1/2 cup frozen corn
11 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
12 -
1 tbsp chili powder
13 -
1 tsp ground cumin
14 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Fresh & Tangy Finish
16 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
17 -
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
18 -
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
19 -
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs total) several times with a fork. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place on a baking sheet. This is the first step to your delicious Protein Loaded Sweet Potato Boats | Hearty Weeknight Meal.
02 -
Roast the sweet potatoes for 45-55 minutes, or until very tender when squeezed. While they roast, begin preparing the hearty protein and veggie filling. This ensures the sweet potato canvas for your Protein Loaded Sweet Potato Boats | Hearty Weeknight Meal is perfectly cooked.
03 -
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
04 -
Stir in 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
05 -
Once roasted, carefully slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a sturdy skin. Mash the sweet potato flesh lightly.
06 -
Add about 1 cup of the turkey and veggie filling to the mashed sweet potato flesh and mix gently. Spoon this mixture back into the sweet potato skins, mounding it generously. Arrange the filled boats back on the baking sheet.
07 -
Return the filled sweet potato boats to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Garnish your Protein Loaded Sweet Potato Boats | Hearty Weeknight Meal with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, and 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese.
08 -
Serve immediately with 1 lime, cut into wedges, for a fresh, tangy finish. These Protein Loaded Sweet Potato Boats | Hearty Weeknight Meal are perfect for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't over-mash the sweet potato flesh; a little texture is nice for these boats.
02 -
Leftover boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
03 -
Feel free to swap ground turkey for ground beef or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use extra beans and corn, or add cooked lentils.
04 -
Add a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick, or a dollop of guacamole for creamy richness.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Fork
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 575 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 38 g