These Sweet Potato Nests with Ground Turkey and Feta are a lighter, colorful spin on stuffed potato nests. Naturally sweet potatoes pair perfectly with savory seasoned turkey, spinach and salty feta.
Golden mashed sweet potato nests filled with seasoned ground turkey and spinach, topped with crumbled feta and mozzarella. A lighter, nutrient-packed twist. They're packed with protein, fiber and vitamins, but still have that cheesy, comforting feel. Great for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter and packed with nutrients
- Sweet and savory flavor combo
- Beautiful bright color
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Nests with Ground Turkey and Feta
- 2 lbs (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup (35 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta
- 3/4 cup (75 g) shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes give the best color and flavor.
- Ground turkey: 93% lean keeps it light but still juicy.
- Feta: Adds a salty, tangy contrast to the sweet potatoes.
Full measurements and printable instructions are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sweet Potato Nests with Ground Turkey and Feta
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2
Boil the sweet potatoes and russet together for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain and steam dry.
Step 3
Mash with butter, then mix in the egg yolks, Parmesan, paprika, salt and pepper.
Step 4
Form 8 nests on the baking sheet and bake 18 minutes until set.
Step 5
Brown the turkey with the onion, then add garlic, cumin and oregano. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
Step 6
Fill the nests, top with mozzarella and feta and bake 10-12 minutes until melted and golden.
Step 7
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Drain the sweet potatoes very well; they hold more water than russets.
- Make the nest walls thick.
- Let them cool 5 minutes before moving.
Variations to Try
- Use ground chicken or lean beef.
- Add black beans and taco seasoning for a Southwest version.
- Swap spinach for kale.
What to Serve With It
Serve with a Greek salad, roasted green beans or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storage and Reheating
The russet potato adds starch so the sweet potato nests hold their shape better. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only sweet potatoes?
Yes, but the nests will be softer. Add an extra egg yolk to help them hold.
Are these healthy?
They're a balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables and complex carbs.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Colorful, healthy and delicious, these sweet potato nests prove that lighter meals can still be comforting.
PrintSweet Potato Nests with Ground Turkey and Feta
Golden mashed sweet potato nests filled with seasoned ground turkey and spinach, topped with crumbled feta and mozzarella. A lighter, nutrient-packed twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 nests) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup (35 g) grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta
- 3/4 cup (75 g) shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Boil the sweet potatoes and russet together for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain and steam dry.
- Mash with butter, then mix in the egg yolks, Parmesan, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Form 8 nests on the baking sheet and bake 18 minutes until set.
- Brown the turkey with the onion, then add garlic, cumin and oregano. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Fill the nests, top with mozzarella and feta and bake 10-12 minutes until melted and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
The russet potato adds starch so the sweet potato nests hold their shape better.