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Cozy Taco Turkey & Cottage Sweet Potato Boats Recipe

Cozy Taco Turkey & Cottage Sweet Potato Boats Recipe

4.9 from 5 reviews

These Cozy Taco Turkey & Cottage Sweet Potato Boats are a wholesome and flavorful meal combining tender baked sweet potatoes with a spiced ground turkey filling, topped with creamy cottage cheese and fresh salsa. Perfect for a nutritious dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes

Turkey Filling

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: avocado slices
  • Optional: shredded cheese
  • Optional: lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape and place them on a baking tray. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Cook Turkey Mixture: Add the ground turkey to the skillet along with chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
  4. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, carefully slice each one lengthwise down the center. Gently mash the inside flesh with a fork to create a soft base for the filling.
  5. Assemble Boats: Spoon the cooked turkey mixture evenly into each sweet potato. Top with half a cup of cottage cheese and diced tomatoes or salsa for extra flavor and creaminess.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Add any optional toppings such as avocado slices, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve warm for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
  • Use low-fat cottage cheese to reduce fat content if desired.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace cottage cheese with mashed avocado or a vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato boats, ground turkey recipe, healthy taco boats, cottage cheese topping, mexican-inspired dinner, low fat meal, high protein dinner