1-Prepping the Sweet Potatoes: First, scrub 4 medium sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt, ensuring they’re clean for baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F and pierce each potato a few times with a fork to let steam escape. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes until they’re tender when poked with a fork.

Once baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes so you can handle them easily. This step is crucial for safety and texture, allowing the insides to become soft and fluffy. Explore our sweet potato casserole for more ideas on using baked potatoes in other dishes.

2-Making the Filling: While the potatoes cool, prepare your Southwest-inspired filling. Scoop out the flesh from each potato, leaving about a 1/4-inch border to keep the shape intact. In a bowl, mix the scooped potato with ingredients like ground turkey, cheese, herbs, and seasonings for a protein-packed blend.

Mash everything together until it’s well combined, adding flavors that make it bold and delicious. For instance, toss in black beans, corn, and pepper to amp up the Southwest vibe. This over 23 grams of protein per serving makes it a winner for busy parents needing a nutritious meal.

3-Baking the Stuffed Potatoes: Stuff the potato skins with your mixture and place them back on the baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the top are golden and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety, ensuring everything is heated through.

This last step brings all the flavors together, making your stuffed sweet potatoes a weeknight-friendly hit. With a total prep time of about 15 minutes and cooking of 10 minutes adapted from tips, you’ll have a hot meal in no time