Turkey & Tahini Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Updated Jun 05, 2026, Published Dec 17, 2021
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A Protein-Packed Gluten-Free Dinner That’s Cozy, Nourishing, and Surprisingly Easy
Some recipes check every box: they’re wholesome, satisfying, packed with flavor, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. These Turkey & Tahini Stuffed Sweet Potatoes do exactly that.
Tender roasted sweet potatoes are filled with warmly spiced ground turkey and finished with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce for a meal that’s equal parts comfort food and nutritious dinner. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with savory turkey, aromatic spices, and rich tahini, creating a balanced dish that’s hearty without feeling heavy.
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
Each sweet potato becomes its own edible serving vessel, making dinner feel a little more special while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The combination of sweet potatoes and tahini is especially delicious, creating a sweet-and-savory flavor profile that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
This recipe is:
- Gluten-free
- High in protein
- Family-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally grain-free
- Packed with flavor
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
Why Sweet Potatoes Make the Perfect Base
Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in a gluten-free kitchen.
They’re naturally gluten-free, rich in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Their natural sweetness balances savory ingredients beautifully, making them the perfect foundation for bold flavors and spices.
Roasting brings out their caramelized sweetness while creating a soft, fluffy interior that pairs perfectly with the seasoned turkey filling.
The Magic of Tahini
Tahini, a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, is one of the most underrated pantry staples.
Its rich, nutty flavor adds depth and creaminess without dairy, making it a fantastic ingredient for gluten-free cooking. When combined with lemon juice, garlic, and water, it transforms into a silky dressing that ties the entire dish together.
The earthy richness of tahini creates a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes and the warm spices in the turkey.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
For the Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ cup warm water
Kitchen Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why This Flavor Combination Works
One of the reasons this recipe is so satisfying is the balance of flavors.
The sweet potatoes contribute natural sweetness. The turkey provides lean protein and savory richness. Warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric add depth and complexity. Finally, the tahini dressing adds creaminess and brightness that pulls everything together.
Every component complements the others, creating a meal that feels complete and deeply satisfying.
Expert Tips for Success
Roast Until Very Tender
The sweet potatoes should be soft enough to easily open and fluff with a fork. Fully roasted potatoes create the best texture.
Use Lean Ground Turkey
Lean ground turkey keeps the filling flavorful while preventing the dish from becoming too heavy.
Don’t Skip the Spices
The warm spice blend is what gives the turkey its distinctive flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
Thin the Tahini Gradually
Tahini can thicken quickly when mixed with liquid. Add warm water slowly until you achieve a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and visual appeal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Stuffed sweet potatoes are one of our favorite meal-prep solutions.
You can roast the sweet potatoes, cook the turkey mixture, and prepare the tahini dressing in advance. When ready to eat, simply assemble and reheat.
Many home cooks also love stuffed sweet potatoes because they hold up well in the refrigerator and make satisfying lunches throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Simple green salads
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Mediterranean-inspired side dishes
- Fresh fruit
For entertaining, serve the potatoes on a large platter with extra tahini dressing and fresh herbs.
Turkey & Tahini Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) ghee
- 1 medium yellow onion, , diced
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) minced garlic
- 1 pound (454 g) ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon (1.3 g) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (1.2 g) ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon (1.5 g) turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.6 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (3.8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) sesame seeds
For the tahini dressing:
- ¼ cup (60 mL) tahini
- 2 teaspoons (10 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ cup (45 mL) warm water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Transfer the potatoes to the oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, until they are extremely tender.
- Meanwhile, heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 6-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook the turkey until it has browned and is no longer pink, about 8-9 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and cover to keep warm.
- Whisk the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt together in a small mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in the warm water, adding more, if necessary, until a smooth consistency is reached.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven, then carefully slit them in half vertically and spread them open. Divide the turkey mixture between the sweet potatoes, then top with the tahini dressing, fresh parsley, and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
