Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Add Preferred SourceSouthwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a simple, hearty meal packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with savory taco-seasoned beef, black beans, and corn, all topped with melty cheese, avocado, and salsa. It’s a delicious way to bring bold flavors to the table without a lot of effort.
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When I need a quick, hearty meal that everyone loves, these Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a go-to. They’re great for family dinners or casual gatherings since everyone can add their favorite toppings. Prep them ahead by baking the potatoes and cooking the beef, then assemble and reheat when ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
These stuffed sweet potatoes come together easily with just a few simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious, flavor-packed meal in no time!
Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Give the sweet potatoes a good rinse and dry them off. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each one to let steam escape while baking.
Rub them with a little oil, place them on the baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until they’re soft and fork-tender.
Cook the Ground Beef
While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for a few minutes until it’s soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, approximately 7 – 10 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning to coat the beef in that bold, smoky flavor.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle.
Slice each one down the middle, leaving the bottom intact, and use a fork to gently mash the inside to create space for all the delicious toppings.
Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Spoon the seasoned ground beef into each sweet potato, filling them up generously. Sprinkle on some shredded cheese so it melts into the warm filling. Then, top with black beans and corn for extra flavor and texture.
Add Toppings and Serve
Now for the fun part—add your favorite toppings! Spoon on some salsa, add a dollop of sour cream, and top with sliced avocado, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Squeeze a little lime juice over everything for a bright, zesty finish. Serve them up while they’re warm, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion
- ½ cup Mexican style blend cheese shredded
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1 lime
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 avocado
- 1 jalapeño
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce each one with a fork. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife.4 medium sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.½ pound ground beef, 1 ounce packet taco seasoning, 1 medium onion
- Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, let them cool slightly before handling. Slice each one lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through, leaving the bottom intact. Use a fork to gently mash the flesh inside, creating space for the filling.
- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each sweet potato, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Add black beans and corn, distributing them evenly among the potatoes.½ cup Mexican style blend cheese, 1 cup canned black beans, 1 cup canned corn
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, and jalapeños. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and serve immediately.2 tablespoons cilantro, 1 lime, ½ cup salsa, ½ cup sour cream, 1 avocado, 1 jalapeño
Notes
- Even Cooking: Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly in the oven. If they’re wildly different, some may take longer than others.
- Speed It Up: Short on time? Microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking to reduce the total cook time.
- Customize the Protein: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute all work well in place of ground beef.
- Melt the Cheese: If you want extra gooey cheese, pop the stuffed sweet potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before adding the fresh toppings.
- Spice It Up: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or extra sliced jalapeños. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican blend.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra black beans or some sautéed bell peppers and onions for more flavor.
- Storage Tip: If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the fresh toppings separate so everything stays fresh when reheating.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve put together a few helpful tips to make sure your stuffed sweet potatoes turn out great every time.
- Even Cooking: Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly in the oven. If they’re wildly different, some may take longer than others.
- Speed It Up: Short on time? Microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking to reduce the total cook time.
- Customize the Protein: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute all work well in place of ground beef.
- Melt the Cheese: If you want extra gooey cheese, pop the stuffed sweet potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before adding the fresh toppings.
- Spice It Up: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or extra sliced jalapeños. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican blend.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra black beans or some sautéed bell peppers and onions for more flavor.
- Storage Tip: If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the fresh toppings separate so everything stays fresh when reheating.
How to Store Leftover Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
If you want to meal prep these in advance, store the cooked sweet potatoes and beef separately, then assemble them when ready to eat.
While the filling ingredients freeze well, the texture of the sweet potatoes can change when frozen and thawed, so freezing is not recommended.
What to Serve With Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes make a meal on their own, but they also pair well with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole.
If you want something heartier, serve them alongside a bowl of black bean soup or a side of roasted vegetables.
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Yum!
Yum indeed, Stormy! So glad you enjoyed it, it’s one of our cozy favorites too. Thanks for trying it