Save A hearty comforting dish featuring tender baked sweet potatoes filled with zesty flavorful chili. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal or casual entertaining.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening wanting something delicious with minimal effort. The combo of sweet potato and spicy chili quickly became a family favorite especially since everyone can top their potato with something different.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed
- Chili Filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion diced 2 garlic cloves minced 1 bell pepper diced (any color) 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans for vegetarian) 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese Sour cream or Greek yogurt Sliced green onions Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Bake Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Prepare Chili:
- While sweet potatoes bake heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Cook Protein:
- Add ground beef (or beans for vegetarian) breaking up meat and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Filling:
- Stir in diced tomatoes kidney beans tomato paste chili powder cumin smoked paprika salt pepper and cayenne (if using). Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.
- Assemble Potatoes:
- When potatoes are tender let cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise gently push open and fluff flesh with a fork.
- Stuff and Serve:
- Spoon a generous amount of chili into each potato. Top with cheese sour cream green onions and cilantro as desired. Serve hot.
Save This recipe always brings the family together around the table. There is something special about everyone customizing their own stuffed potato and sharing stories from the day.
Required Tools
Baking sheet large skillet chefs knife cutting board spoon or fork
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (if using cheese or sour cream) gluten-free as written (verify canned goods and toppings are GF) check canned beans and tomatoes for additives if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Per serving with beef without cheese or sour cream: Calories 410 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 22 g
Save Try this easy stuffed sweet potato next time you crave comfort in a bowl. It is sure to please everyone around your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground meat with black beans for a hearty vegetarian option, and omit dairy toppings to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → How do I bake sweet potatoes evenly?
Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
- → What spices enhance the chili filling?
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper create a flavorful, balanced spice profile.
- → Can I prepare the sweet potatoes faster?
Microwaving sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes is a quicker alternative, though baking yields the best texture.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro add creaminess and fresh brightness.
- → Is this meal gluten-free?
Yes, ensure canned beans and tomatoes are gluten-free, and skip toppings with gluten-containing ingredients.