Who says nachos have to be made with chips? These sweet potato nachos with ground turkey are a fun and healthy twist on the classic snack. They’re crispy, cheesy, and totally delicious! Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or having a game-day get-together, this recipe will be a huge hit. Plus, they’re packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Bake the Sweet Potatoes (20 minutes)
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well, then slice them into even ¼-inch thick rounds. The key to crispy nachos is uniform thickness, so take your time here. Place the slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet make sure they’re not overlapping, as crowding can cause them to steam instead of roast. Lightly spray the tops with avocado oil, then season with half of the salt and black pepper. Flip each slice over and repeat the process on the other side. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the baking time. You’re looking for a slightly golden color with crisp edges, but still soft centers like little round chips!
Cook the Turkey Mixture (8 minutes)
While your sweet potatoes are baking, it’s time to get the flavorful turkey mixture going. Grab a medium skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat. Spray the pan lightly with avocado oil, then add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet and begin breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. Sprinkle in all the spices salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything well to make sure the turkey is evenly coated in the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink. Finally, add the drained and rinsed black beans and stir them into the mix. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors can blend nicely.
Assemble the Nachos (5 minutes)
Once your sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and gently push the slices together to form a solid base it should look like a big layer of nacho “chips.” Spoon the warm turkey and black bean mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes, covering as much of the surface as you can. Next, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese all over the top, making sure it lands on the turkey mixture and sweet potatoes alike. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbling slightly. This step ties everything together and gives you that irresistible nacho-style gooeyness.
Top It Off
Now it’s time to take your nachos to the next level with fresh and colorful toppings. Once the cheese is melted and the nachos are out of the oven, add a generous sprinkle of diced tomato, red onion, and chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor. Then, drizzle or dollop on your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. To finish, serve with lime wedges on the side squeezing a little lime juice on top adds a zesty brightness that brings everything together.
Necessary Tools
- Large baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Frying pan or skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Oven and stovetop
- Cheese grater (optional if you’re shredding your own cheese)
Sweet Potato Nachos with Ground Turkey
Cuisine: American, CanadianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesIngredients
Sweet Potatoes
2 lbs sweet potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
Avocado oil spray
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Turkey Mixture:
1 lb ground turkey
½ red onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp each: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Toppings
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Diced tomato, red onion, cilantro
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lime wedges
Directions
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes (20 minutes):
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice your sweet potatoes into thin, ¼-inch circles. Spread them out on a large baking sheet. Spray them lightly with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip them over and season the other side too! Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and a little crispy on the edges. - Cook the Turkey Mixture (8 minutes):
While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat up your skillet. Spray it with a little oil and sauté the diced red onion and garlic for about 3 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey and all the spices. Stir and break up the turkey as it cooks. Cook for around 5 minutes, until it’s no longer pink. Add the black beans and stir for 2 more minutes. Yum! - Assemble the Nachos (5 minutes):
Once the sweet potatoes are ready, push them close together on the baking sheet. Pile the turkey and bean mixture on top. Then sprinkle the cheese over everything. Put it back in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the cheese gets all melty and gooey. - Top It Off:
Now for the fun part toppings! Add diced tomato, extra red onion, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the sweet potato slices are touching or piled on top of each other, they won’t get crispy. Give them space!
- Watch your bake time: Sweet potatoes can burn if left too long, so keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark.
- Even slices matter: If your sweet potato slices are too thick or uneven, some may end up soft while others get too crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These nachos are super versatile! Here are some ways you can enjoy them:
- Serve with a fresh side salad to make it a full meal.
- Make a nacho bar! Let everyone add their own toppings.
- Try it with jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
- Add corn or bell peppers for more veggies.
Fun Fact
Did you know sweet potatoes aren’t actually potatoes? They’re roots! And they’re full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which makes them a superfood that tastes amazing, too.
Conclusion
These sweet potato nachos with ground turkey are a total win. They’re colorful, crunchy, cheesy, and full of good-for-you ingredients. Plus, they’re easy to make and super fun to eat! Give this recipe a try the next time you want something tasty and different. I promise, your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!
