Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious! The sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them the perfect vessel for a savory, spiced-up taco filling. The ground beef is seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, and the salsa adds an extra kick of flavor and freshness. Topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, mashed avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, these stuffed sweet potatoes are a satisfying meal that’s hearty yet wholesome. It’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a whole new way!

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 sweet potatoes

For Toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella
• Diced tomatoes
• Mashed avocado
• Sour cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the ground beef mixture: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add seasonings and vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Mix well.
4. Add salsa and water: Pour in the chunky salsa and water, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are baked and tender, remove them from the oven. Slice them open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside of the sweet potato to create space for the filling.
6. Fill the sweet potatoes: Spoon the taco beef mixture generously into the center of each sweet potato. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
7. Add toppings: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, mashed avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.
• Add More Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Different Cheese: You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy experience.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover taco stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a leaner option. The seasonings will still work wonderfully with these proteins.

2. Can I use sweet potato mash instead of whole sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can mash the sweet potatoes and serve them with the taco mixture on top for a different presentation.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can still enjoy the tacos with all the delicious toppings like avocado, salsa, and sour cream.

5. Can I freeze these stuffed sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes after baking and filling them with the beef mixture. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

6. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are done when they are soft and tender when pierced with a fork or knife. They should have a slight give when pressed gently.

7. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular russet potatoes, but the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes bring a slight sweetness that complements the taco filling.

8. Can I add beans to the taco filling?

Yes, adding black beans or kidney beans to the taco filling will make the dish even heartier and provide extra fiber.

9. Can I top these with a different sauce?

For a twist, try topping with a chipotle ranch, guacamole, or salsa verde for extra flavor.

10. Can I add cheese before baking instead of after?

Yes, you can add cheese before baking. Just be sure to melt it in the oven as part of the final step.

Conclusion

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. They combine the sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with the savory, spiced-up taco filling for a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with gooey cheese, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy sour cream, this dish is as satisfying as it is healthy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that everyone will love!

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