An Easy, High-Protein Weeknight Dinner Everyone Loves

If you’re looking for a simple, filling, and healthy dinner that doesn’t require a ton of prep, these taco stuffed sweet potatoes are the answer.

taco stuffed sweet potato

This is one of those meals that works on busy weeknights, after long practice days, or when you want something comforting but still balanced. Tender baked sweet potatoes are stuffed with flavorful taco-seasoned ground turkey and finished with your favorite toppings for a dinner that feels fun, satisfying, and easy. I love them for breakfast lunch or dinner!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, active kids, or just want a dependable meal you can keep on repeat, this recipe checks every box.

Why You’ll Love These Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

There’s a reason this recipe ends up in our regular dinner rotation.

  • Made with simple, everyday ingredients
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Easy to customize for picky eaters
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers
  • Comfort food that still feels nourishing
easy taco stuffed sweet potato

It’s also a great alternative to traditional tacos when you want something a little different — but still just as satisfying.

Why This Is a Great Meal for Active Families

When you’re feeding kids who are constantly on the go, dinner needs to do more than just taste good.

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes offer:

  • Protein from ground turkey to help keep everyone full
  • Complex carbs from sweet potatoes for sustained energy
  • Healthy fats from toppings like avocado or Greek yogurt
  • A balanced plate without overthinking it

They’re especially great on nights when everyone comes home starving and needs a real meal, fast.

Ingredients for Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Taco Turkey Filling

  • 1½ pounds ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water

Or use this homemade taco seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (Use What You Have)

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh Lime

How to Make Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke each one a few times with a fork. Rub lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until very soft and tender.

Shortcut option:

If you’re short on time, microwave the sweet potatoes for 6–8 minutes until mostly tender, then finish them in the oven for about 15 minutes to get the skin just right.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Turkey

While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onions to a hot pan with oil, cook till tender. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, add the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes saucy.

Step 3: Assemble

Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork.

Spoon the taco turkey generously into each sweet potato. Finish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

How to Serve Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but you can also pair them with:

  • A simple side salad
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Fresh fruit

For bigger appetites, add extra turkey or serve two halves per person.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep.

  • Bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store in the fridge
  • Cook the taco turkey and refrigerate separately
  • Assemble and reheat when ready to eat

Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days and reheat easily in the microwave or oven.

Easy Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try one of these:

  • Use ground chicken or ground beef instead of turkey
  • Add black beans or corn to the turkey mixture
  • Top with shredded lettuce for crunch
  • Use dairy-free toppings if needed

This recipe is flexible and forgiving, perfect for busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Store the baked sweet potatoes and taco filling separately, then assemble when ready to serve.

Are taco stuffed sweet potatoes healthy?

They’re naturally nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and packed with protein. You can easily adjust toppings to fit your needs.

Can I use smaller sweet potatoes?

Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time slightly and plan on serving two per person if needed.

Is this recipe good for picky eaters?

Yes. Let everyone customize their own toppings, which usually makes this a win for kids.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are:

  • Easy to prep
  • Made with pantry staples
  • Customizable for everyone at the table
  • Comforting without being heavy

They’re the kind of meal you can rely on when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If this recipe worked for your family, be sure to try:

Final Thoughts

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying.

They’re simple, hearty, and flexible exactly what busy families need on weeknights. Whether you’re feeding athletes, growing kids, or just yourself, this is a recipe worth saving and making again.

If you try this recipe, save it for later and add it to your regular rotation. It’s one of those meals that just works.

taco stuffed sweet potato

Get the Recipe:
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are an easy, high-protein dinner made with tender baked sweet potatoes, flavorful taco-seasoned ground turkey, and simple toppings. A filling, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients
 

Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Taco Turkey Filling

  • lbs ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • ½ cup water

OR Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh lime

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Scrub sweet potatoes clean and poke several holes in each with a fork. Rub lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  • Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until very tender.
  • While sweet potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and coo till tender. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned.
  • Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes, until thick and saucy.
  • Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully slice each one open lengthwise. Fluff the inside with a fork.
  • Spoon taco turkey filling evenly into each sweet potato.
  • Add desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For faster prep, sweet potatoes can be microwaved for 6–8 minutes until mostly tender, then finished in the oven for 15 minutes.
  • Ground chicken or ground beef can be used in place of ground turkey.
  • Store leftover sweet potatoes and taco filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are great for meal prep and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
  • Let everyone customize their own toppings for an easy, family-friendly dinner.
Serving: 6g, Calories: 283kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 154mg, Potassium: 873mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 21770IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 2mg
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