1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

Tender sweet potatoes are baked and split open, making a perfect base for a savory filling of ground turkey, onions, and green peppers sautéed with warming spices. Tomato sauce, tamari, and apple cider vinegar add depth, while a touch of coconut sugar balances the flavors. The hearty mixture is spooned generously into the potatoes, creating a satisfying dish with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this vibrant meal is easy to prepare and perfect for those seeking a comforting, nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Pin It Share It Send It Print Go to Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:31:46 GMT
A plate of food with a baked potato and meat. Pin
A plate of food with a baked potato and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring the comfort of a classic meal with a nourishing twist. Using ground turkey in a tangy homemade sauce, everything gets piled onto fluffy roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced and gluten-free dinner everyone can dig into. No soggy sandwich bread and every bite delivers the craveable sweet and savory flavor you expect from a Sloppy Joe.

The first time I made these was after a long workday when everyone wanted a comfort meal fast. My kids were so impressed they said it tasted better than takeout and have requested it ever since.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: a vibrant base that brings natural sweetness and extra vitamins to the plate. Look for firm unblemished potatoes for best results
  • Olive oil: gives a luscious feel to the filling and helps veggies sauté without sticking. A good quality cold-pressed oil works wonders
  • Onion: diced for classic depth and a savory background flavor. Yellow or white onions both work
  • Green bell pepper: diced for crunch and a mild vegetal note. Choose peppers with tight shiny skin
  • Lean ground turkey: a lighter alternative to ground beef giving the filling richness without heaviness
  • Garlic: minced for bold flavor that perks up the sauce use fresh cloves
  • Coconut sugar: provides natural sweetness and balances the spices. Light brown sugar works too
  • Chili powder: adds smoky warmth look for a blend with a deep brick-red color
  • Ground mustard: for tang and depth gives that signature Sloppy Joe kick
  • Cayenne pepper: for gentle heat add more or less based on spice preference
  • Salt plus black pepper: to bring everything into balance
  • Apple cider vinegar: lifts the whole filling with a little tang. Choose an unfiltered raw variety if possible
  • Tamari or coconut aminos: for umami depth both keep the recipe gluten free
  • Tomato sauce: helps create that classic Sloppy Joe texture look for no sugar added options
  • Tomato paste: to concentrate the sauce and boost savoriness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sweet potatoes:
Begin by washing and drying each sweet potato thoroughly to remove any surface dirt. Use a fork to pierce the potatoes all over to allow steam to escape as they cook. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave safe plate and cook using your microwave’s potato setting or set to high for 5 to 7 minutes flipping halfway through. Continue cooking in 30 second intervals until each potato is fork tender. This method keeps them fluffy and ready for filling
Sauté the aromatics:
While the potatoes cook warm olive oil in a 10-inch skillet on medium heat. Add the diced onions and green peppers and cook stirring every couple of minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent about 6 minutes. This stage creates a flavorful base for the sauce
Brown the turkey:
Add the lean ground turkey directly into the skillet with the softened aromatics. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the turkey into small crumbles as it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden with no pink remaining. Browning encourages tasty bits to form in the skillet building flavor into the filling
Build and simmer the sauce:
Add minced garlic coconut sugar chili powder ground mustard cayenne salt black pepper apple cider vinegar tamari tomato sauce and tomato paste to the turkey mixture. Stir well so that every crumble gets coated with seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat then turn off the burner. The heat melds the flavors while keeping the filling thick and saucy
Fill the sweet potatoes:
Split each sweet potato in half lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork to make room for the filling. Heap spoonfuls of the prepared Sloppy Joe mixture on top and finish with another sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm for maximum comfort and satisfaction
Two sliced baked potatoes with meat and vegetables. Pin
Two sliced baked potatoes with meat and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

The star for me is always the sweetness of roasted sweet potato paired with the tangy Sloppy Joe filling. There is something magical about scooping up a bite where the creamy potato meets the spicy sauce. My kids love personalizing their potatoes with favorite toppings or extra veggies on the side

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the Sloppy Joe filling and sweet potatoes separately if possible for best texture. Reheat in the microwave or a covered skillet until hot throughout and add a splash of water to the filling if it seems dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken or lean beef both work well if you do not have turkey. If you need a lower carb option try white potatoes or even roasted spaghetti squash instead of sweet potatoes. You can swap coconut sugar for light brown sugar and regular soy sauce for tamari if gluten is not an issue.

Serving Suggestions

Try topping your stuffed potatoes with diced avocado sliced green onion or even a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli for a colorful vibrant plate. These are great for casual dinners and also work well packed for lunch.

Two slices of potatoes with meat in them. Pin
Two slices of potatoes with meat in them. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Sloppy Joes are rooted in American home cooking dating back to the early twentieth century as an easy economical way to feed a crowd. Swapping sweet potatoes for the classic bun gives this nostalgic dish a modern twist while honoring the flavors generations have loved.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well and offers a richer flavor. Just drain any excess fat before adding the spices and sauce.

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are ready when a fork easily pierces through, indicating the flesh is soft and fully cooked.

→ Is it possible to prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The turkey and vegetable filling can be cooked ahead and refrigerated. Simply reheat before using.

→ What toppings pair well with stuffed sweet potatoes?

Sliced green onions, fresh herbs, or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt add flavor and freshness to the finished dish.

→ Can I bake the sweet potatoes instead of microwaving?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender throughout.

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Tender sweet potatoes filled with savory ground turkey and veggies make an easy, satisfying dinner for any night.

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 4 medium sweet potatoes

→ Filling

02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 onion, diced
04 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 450 grams lean ground turkey
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
08 2 teaspoons chili powder
09 1.5 teaspoons ground mustard
10 2 to 3 pinches cayenne pepper
11 0.5 teaspoon salt
12 freshly ground black pepper to taste
13 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
14 3 teaspoons tamari or coconut aminos
15 425 grams tomato sauce
16 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Steps

Step 01

Wash, pat dry, and pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cook on the potato setting for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway, until tender. Alternatively, microwave at standard setting for 5–7 minutes, turning once, then continue in 30-second intervals if needed until fully softened.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 03

Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and lightly browned.

Step 04

Stir in minced garlic, coconut sugar, chili powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, tamari, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well, then bring to a gentle boil. Remove the skillet from heat once the mixture is heated through.

Step 05

Slice the cooked sweet potatoes lengthwise and use a fork to gently fluff the interiors. Top each potato with a generous portion of the turkey mixture. Adjust salt and pepper if desired before serving.

Notes

  1. Tamari or coconut aminos offer a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
  2. Microwaving sweet potatoes significantly reduces preparation time compared to oven baking.

Tools Required

  • 10-inch skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Microwave-safe plate

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains soy if using tamari; use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 455
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Proteins: 33 g