Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a delicious and satisfying twist on classic tacos. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings. It’s a simple, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 12-14 ounces each)
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Diced tomato
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
2. Step 2: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: When the sweet potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and lightly mash the insides to create a space for the filling.
6. Step 6: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each sweet potato. Top with shredded cheese while the potatoes are still hot so it melts slightly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with diced tomato, avocado or guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra smoky flavor.
• Use fresh homemade salsa if you prefer a less processed option.
• Feel free to add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding fresh toppings after reheating for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the beef mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before stuffing the potatoes.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning on hand?

You can make a simple taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to taste for a flavorful substitute.

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

This Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional tacos by using baked sweet potatoes as the base, filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with fresh, vibrant toppings like salsa, cheese, tomato, avocado, and sour cream. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that combines hearty protein with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup water

Sweet Potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 12–14 ounces each)

Toppings

• Shredded Mexican blend cheese, to taste
• Diced tomato, to taste
• Diced avocado or guacamole, to taste
• Sour cream, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then prick each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
2. Bake sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Cook the beef filling: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add taco seasoning and salsa: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and stir well to coat the beef and onions. Pour in the salsa and then add 1/4 cup water, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently, adding more water (up to 1/2 cup) if needed to keep it moist. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Prepare the stuffed potatoes: When the sweet potatoes are done baking and cool enough to handle, slice each potato lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through. Gently push the ends towards each other to open up the potato center slightly.
6. Fill and top: Spoon the taco beef mixture evenly into each sweet potato. Top each with shredded Mexican blend cheese, diced tomato, avocado or guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream according to your preference.
7. Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy a healthy, hearty taco-flavored meal with the natural sweetness and fiber of baked sweet potatoes.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans and add extra taco seasoning.
• The water quantity added to the beef mixture can be adjusted to your desired consistency.
• Feel free to add additional toppings such as chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
• Sweet potatoes can be microwaved to reduce baking time if you’re short on time – cook on high for 5-8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Keywords: taco stuffed sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, ground beef tacos, healthy taco recipe, Mexican-inspired dinner, easy weeknight meal