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These taco stuffed sweet potatoes transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a complete and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef and all your favorite taco toppings. They offer the perfect balance of savory taco filling and naturally sweet potatoes for a dinner that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
I started making these on busy weeknights when I wanted something more interesting than standard tacos. The combination was such a hit that it's now in our regular rotation even on nights when we have more time to cook.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Provide the perfect vessel with their natural sweetness balancing the savory filling
- Ground beef: Creates a satisfying protein base that works perfectly with the taco seasonings
- Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
- Blend of spices: Including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and more for authentic taco flavor
- Chunky salsa: Adds instant depth and saves you time chopping vegetables
- Toppings: Cheese, avocado, and sour cream provide contrasting textures and flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Poke holes throughout each sweet potato using a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a microwave-safe plate with a little water and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife—it should slide in easily. Give them an additional 5 minutes if needed for larger potatoes. This quick cooking method saves substantial time compared to oven-baking.
- Cook the taco meat:
- While potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic together, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming too heavy.
- Season and simmer:
- Add all spices and seasonings to the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly. Pour in salsa and water, then reduce heat to low. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The liquid should reduce but the mixture should remain moist.
- Assemble and serve:
- Once potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, cut them lengthwise without cutting completely through. Gently press ends toward each other to open the potato. Generously spoon the beef mixture into each potato. Finish with desired toppings like shredded mozzarella, diced tomatoes, mashed avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
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The sweet potato is truly the star ingredient here. While regular potatoes would work, the slight sweetness of sweet potatoes creates a magical contrast with the savory taco meat. I discovered this combination by accident when I ran out of taco shells one night, and now I actually prefer this version to traditional tacos.
Make-Ahead Options
These stuffed sweet potatoes work wonderfully as meal prep. You can prepare the taco meat up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply microwave the sweet potatoes, reheat the filling, and assemble. This strategy works especially well for busy weeknights when cooking time is limited.
Dietary Adaptations
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but it can be adapted for other dietary needs too. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The spice blend works just as well with these substitutions. For dairy-free diners, simply omit the cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed sweet potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you're feeding a particularly hungry crowd, consider serving them with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the warm, soft potatoes. A bowl of tortilla chips on the side adds a welcome crunch for scooping up any filling that escapes.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe provides a classic taco flavor profile, but you can easily take it in different directions. For a southwestern twist, add corn and black beans to the meat mixture. For heat lovers, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can even try a barbecue variation by replacing the salsa with your favorite BBQ sauce and topping with coleslaw for a fusion dish that combines two comfort food favorites.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you cook the sweet potatoes?
Poke holes all over the sweet potatoes using a fork, add them to a bowl or plate with water, then microwave on high for 10 minutes. If not done, microwave for another 5 minutes.
- → What type of meat works best for this dish?
Lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- → What toppings can you use?
The toppings include shredded mozzarella, diced tomatoes, mashed avocado, and sour cream. You can customize with your favorite additions.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with black beans, chickpeas, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- → Is this dish meal-prep friendly?
Yes, you can cook the sweet potatoes and beef mixture ahead of time. Store them separately, then assemble and reheat when ready to eat.