Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious, healthy twist on traditional tacos, featuring baked sweet potatoes as the base instead of tortillas. The sweet potatoes are cooked until tender, then topped with seasoned ground beef or chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. A dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime complete the dish, giving it a bright and flavorful finish.
I first made Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes when I was craving tacos but wanted a lighter, more nutrient-dense option, and they turned out to be a perfect choice! The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory taco fillings, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add any taco toppings you like, such as shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa, or jalapeños. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a great way to enjoy the flavors of tacos while incorporating more vegetables and healthy carbs into your meal. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Taco night alternatives
- Meal prep
- Healthy comfort food
- Families and friends
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will become your new favorite go-to meal:
- Taco Flavor in a New Form: Enjoy all the delicious taco fillings stuffed inside a nutritious sweet potato.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and minerals from sweet potatoes and topped with fresh veggies.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options: Easily make this dish gluten-free or dairy-free by swapping a few ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The roasted sweet potatoes offer a perfect contrast to the savory taco filling.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch to enjoy throughout the week for a healthy lunch or dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for serving family or friends, this meal is both filling and full of flavor.
- High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes provide a healthy dose of fiber, helping you stay full longer.
- Packed with Protein: With the choice of ground turkey, beef, or a vegetarian option, this dish is loaded with protein.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Ingredient Highlights
- Sweet Potatoes: Full of vitamins A and C, and rich in fiber.
- Ground Meat or Plant-Based Crumbles: A great source of protein for a satisfying meal.
- Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado give a fresh crunch and creamy texture.
- Corn and Black Beans: Add an extra layer of fiber and nutrients while making the dish even heartier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Slice: Let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before slicing them lengthwise and gently scooping out some of the flesh, leaving a border around the edges to create a “bowl.”
Prepare the Taco Filling:
- Cook the Ground Meat: While the potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Meat and Seasonings: Add the ground turkey (or beef/plant-based crumbles) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
- Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the taco filling into each roasted sweet potato. Be generous with the filling!
- Top with Fresh Ingredients: Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using) and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Mexican corn salad for a complete meal.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare the filling and sweet potatoes separately and assemble throughout the week.
- With Guacamole: Serve with a side of homemade guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
- As a Party Dish: Serve as a fun and interactive party dish where guests can top their own potatoes.
- With Extra Hot Sauce: Add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- For Taco Night Alternatives: Use this as a healthier alternative to traditional tacos.
- With Cheese: Top with shredded cheese or dairy-free cheese for a cheesy addition.
- With Salsa: Add a spoonful of salsa for added freshness and flavor.
- For Vegans: Use plant-based meat alternatives, vegan sour cream, and dairy-free cheese.
- As a Snack: Make smaller versions of these stuffed potatoes as snacks for game day or parties.
Additional Tips
- Roast Sweet Potatoes in Advance: Save time by roasting the sweet potatoes ahead of time and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
- Use Ground Chicken for a Leaner Option: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Bake Extra Sweet Potatoes: Prepare extra sweet potatoes for easy lunches or snacks during the week.
- Customize Toppings: Add any of your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, olives, or shredded cheese.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the taco filling.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based crumbles and top with extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Loaded Sweet Potatoes: Add black olives, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a more indulgent version.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Swap the stuffed potatoes for baked sweet potato fries as a fun alternative.
- BBQ Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Use BBQ seasoning and shredded chicken for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Add more chili powder, cayenne, or jalapeños to the taco filling for a fiery version.
- Pico de Gallo: Top the stuffed sweet potatoes with fresh pico de gallo for extra zest.
- Ground Beef and Beef Bacon: Mix in cooked beef bacon with the ground beef for a smoky, savory version.
- Cheesy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Add a layer of melted cheese on top of the taco filling for a cheesy delight.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: To roast the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the taco filling.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the sweet potatoes and chopping the veggies.
- Spoon or Scoop: To scoop out the sweet potato flesh.
- Lemon Squeezer: For easy lime squeezing.
FAQ Section
- Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular russet potatoes, though sweet potatoes add more nutrients and a unique flavor. - How long will these stuffed sweet potatoes last in the fridge?
The stuffed potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the taco filling in advance. Assemble the potatoes just before serving. - Can I freeze Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes before adding fresh toppings. Reheat in the oven for best results. - What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
Use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a homemade version. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based crumbles and vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt. - How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting soggy?
Make sure to let the sweet potatoes cool a bit before scooping out the flesh to help them hold their shape. - Can I use a slow cooker for the taco filling?
Yes, cook the taco filling in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach. - Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, you can add shredded cheese to the taco filling while cooking for extra gooeyness. - Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian filling like lentils would work great!
Conclusion
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional tacos, using roasted sweet potatoes as a base instead of tortillas. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory taco filling, which typically includes seasoned ground beef, chicken, or black beans, along with classic taco toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado. The sweet potatoes provide a hearty, nutrient-packed foundation, while the taco filling adds all the familiar, bold flavors you love.
These stuffed potatoes are fully customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients or swap them out to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re keeping it classic with beef and cheese or going for a lighter, vegetarian version with beans and veggies, Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s full of flavor.
I can’t wait to see how your Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!