Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This southwest-inspired dinner transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a complete meal bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with savory taco-seasoned meat and fresh toppings for a colorful, nutritious dinner that's both comforting and exciting.

I created this recipe when looking for ways to use leftover taco meat, and it's become our Thursday night tradition. My kids love assembling their own toppings, and I love knowing they're getting vegetables without complaints.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture
• Ground beef or turkey: The 85% lean option provides the best flavor while still being reasonably healthy
• Taco seasoning packet: Provides instant flavor but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and paprika
• Black beans: Adds plant protein and fiber even when using meat
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully
• Diced tomatoes: Use fresh when in season or drained canned tomatoes the rest of the year
• Shredded cheese: A Mexican blend works best but cheddar or pepper jack are excellent too
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides the same creamy tanginess with more protein
• Cilantro: Adds bright fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat
• Avocado slices: Adds healthy fats and creamy texture to balance the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sweet potatoes:

Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking. This prevents them from bursting in the oven and helps them cook more evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil for easier cleanup.

Bake the sweet potatoes:

Place your potatoes in a preheated 400°F oven for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes. They should yield easily when gently squeezed with an oven mitt. For extra flavor, you can rub the skins with olive oil and salt before baking.

Prepare the taco meat:

While the potatoes bake, brown your chosen protein in a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned with no pink remaining, drain excess fat by tilting the pan and removing it with a spoon or paper towels.

Season the filling:

Add your taco seasoning plus the water called for on the packet. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens. For vegetarian version, heat your black beans with the seasoning instead.

Create potato boats:

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut them in half lengthwise and gently scoop out about 2 tablespoons of flesh from each half to create a deeper well for fillings. You can save this sweet potato flesh for another use.

Fill and top the potatoes:

Arrange the halved potatoes on the same baking sheet, cut side up. Divide the taco meat or seasoned beans evenly among the potato halves. Layer with additional black beans, corn, tomatoes, and finally a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Melt the cheese:

Return the loaded sweet potatoes to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts completely and the toppings are warmed through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Add fresh toppings:

Just before serving, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, freshly chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado if desired. These cool, fresh toppings provide a wonderful contrast to the hot, savory fillings.

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The taco seasoning is really the heart of this recipe. I discovered that toasting the spices in the pan for about 30 seconds before adding water intensifies their flavor tremendously. My grandmother taught me this trick, and now our kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma every time we make these stuffed sweet potatoes.

Meal Prep Magic

These stuffed sweet potatoes work beautifully for meal prep. You can bake the sweet potatoes up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The taco meat mixture can also be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. When ready to serve, simply reheat the potatoes in the microwave or oven, add the warmed filling, and finish with fresh toppings for a quick weeknight dinner.

Perfect Pairings

This dish stands perfectly well on its own as a complete meal, but if you're looking to round out your dinner, consider serving with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, a cup of black bean soup makes an excellent starter. If you're hosting a gathering, set up a toppings bar with additional options like pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, different cheeses, and various salsas so everyone can customize their potato.

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Vegetarian Variation

To make this recipe completely vegetarian, replace the meat with an additional cup of black beans or try using crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Season these alternatives just as you would the meat. For added flavor dimension, roast the corn before adding it to the filling – simply place corn kernels on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 15 minutes until they begin to brown slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you prepare the sweet potatoes for stuffing?

Simply bake the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F until tender, then slice them open and scoop out a little flesh to create room for the filling.

→ What are the alternative protein options?

You can use ground beef or turkey as a base, or opt for black beans to create a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling in advance. Simply reheat and assemble before serving.

→ What toppings work well with these stuffed sweet potatoes?

Popular toppings include sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or your favorite salsa.

→ Are there substitutions for taco seasoning?

If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling or as a topping.