Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

1 cup chunky salsa

1/4-1/2 cup water

4 medium sweet potatoes, about 12-14 ounces each

Toppings (optional):

shredded Mexican blend cheese

diced tomato

diced avocado or guacamole

sour cream

Instructions:

Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium high heat. Drain grease and add the taco seasoning and salsa.

Reduce heat to medium low and cook for about 5 more minutes until mixture has thickened and is heated through. Add up to 1/2 cup of water to achieve desired consistency.

While the meat is cooking, poke holes all over the sweet potatoes and cook in the microwave for 8-10 minutes on high, turning sweet potatoes over once halfway through.

If potatoes aren’t soft enough, continue cooking 1-3 minutes more. I usually cook two potatoes at one time, but if your microwave allows, you could cook all four at once.

Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly, then slice them lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.

Spoon the cooked taco meat over the sweet potatoes and add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomato, avocado, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or lentils for a vegetarian option.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the spice level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa. If you prefer less heat, opt for mild versions or reduce the amount of seasoning and salsa used.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble and enjoy the Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes immediately for optimal texture, you can prepare the taco meat and cook the sweet potatoes in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the meat and sweet potatoes separately, then proceed with assembling and adding the toppings.

Are there any alternatives to microwaving the sweet potatoes?

If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can bake the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45-60 minutes or until tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu.

For a vegan version, ensure that the taco seasoning and salsa are also vegan-friendly, and use dairy-free toppings or alternatives like vegan cheese and sour cream.

Can I prepare the taco meat ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the taco meat in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the meat in a skillet before spooning it over the cooked sweet potatoes.

What other toppings can I add to the stuffed sweet potatoes?

The toppings mentioned in the recipe, such as shredded cheese, diced tomato, avocado or guacamole, and sour cream, are popular choices.

You can also get creative and add toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, black beans, corn, or your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavors according to your preferences.