Sweet potatoes meet taco night in this fun, healthy, and delicious recipe! These loaded taco sweet potatoes are stuffed with flavorful ingredients like salsa, onions, and sour cream, making them a satisfying meal for any occasion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a creative twist on Taco Tuesday!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Comfort Food: Combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory taco toppings.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, great for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap or add toppings to suit your preferences.
- Gluten-Free and Vegetarian-Friendly: A wholesome meal for various diets.
- Kid-Approved: A fun and colorful dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (baked or microwaved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 medium tomato (diced, for garnish)
- Sour cream (for topping)
Directions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Bake the sweet potatoes in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 40–50 minutes, or microwave them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until soft.
2. Cook the Taco Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the chunky salsa and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
3. Assemble the Sweet Potatoes
- Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Spoon the taco filling into each sweet potato, then top with shredded cheese.
4. Melt the Cheese
- Return the filled sweet potatoes to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
- Garnish with diced tomato and a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or black beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
- Southwest Flavor: Top with corn, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.
- Low-Carb Twist: Swap sweet potatoes for roasted bell peppers as a base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: Sweet potatoes freeze well. Store the cooked sweet potato halves without toppings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add toppings after reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, white potatoes work well as a substitute if you prefer.
2. How do I make the sweet potatoes cook faster?
Microwave the sweet potatoes instead of baking for a quick alternative.
3. What other toppings can I add?
Try guacamole, green onions, chopped olives, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sweet potatoes and filling in advance. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
5. What’s the best way to slice the sweet potatoes?
Slice them lengthwise after cooking, and fluff the insides with a fork to create a bed for the toppings.
6. Are there any gluten-free toppings I should avoid?
Most toppings are naturally gluten-free, but double-check prepackaged items like salsa or shredded cheese.
7. Can I make mini versions of this recipe?
Yes, use small sweet potatoes for individual servings or as appetizers.
8. How do I prevent sweet potatoes from becoming watery?
Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork before cooking to release steam and avoid overcooking.
9. Can I use homemade salsa?
Absolutely! Fresh, homemade salsa adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish.
10. Can I add cheese alternatives?
Yes, dairy-free or nut-based cheese substitutes work well for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
Loaded taco sweet potatoes are a creative and delicious way to enjoy taco night with a twist. Packed with bold flavors and customizable toppings, they’re a fun, healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and turn simple sweet potatoes into a flavorful fiesta!
Print
Loaded Taco Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 20-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet potatoes meet taco night in this easy and flavorful recipe! Packed with seasoned beef (or plant-based alternatives), salsa, and topped with cheese and sour cream, it’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients
Produce:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 fresh tomato (diced, for topping)
Condiments:
- 1 cup chunky salsa
Dairy:
- Sour cream (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Mexican blend)
Meat (Optional):
- 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or plant-based ground meat
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Alternatively, microwave them on high for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until soft.
2. Cook the Taco Filling:
- While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the chunky salsa and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Assemble the Loaded Sweet Potatoes:
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Spoon the taco filling over each sweet potato. Top with shredded cheese (if using), diced tomato, sour cream, and any additional toppings.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use black beans or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
- Meal Prep: Bake the sweet potatoes in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat and top with taco filling when ready to serve.
- Spice It Up: Add chili powder or taco seasoning to the meat or filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (20 minutes if microwaving sweet potatoes)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/viral-taco-stuffed-sweet-potatoes-recipe/
