Tasty Taco Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Delicious Meat-Free Meals for Every Taste

Shake up your dinner routine with these loaded potato boats! Baked sweet potatoes get packed with zesty ground beef simmered in fire-roasted tomatoes and taco spices. Pile on cheese, guac, fresh salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete dish that's nutritious and totally satisfying. They're ready in under an hour, making them perfect for busy families who want something different than the usual taco night.
Lily chef cooking Cookingwithmee blog.
Updated on Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:28:35 GMT
Two slices of baked sweet potato with meat and salsa on top. Pin it
Two slices of baked sweet potato with meat and salsa on top. | cookingwithmee.com

Switch up your taco routine with this fun twist that puts sweet, caramelized potatoes front and center. These stuffed spuds loaded with seasoned beef create an amazing sweet-spicy combo that'll wow your taste buds. After trying loads of stuffed veggie ideas, my family can't get enough of this fresh take on our Tuesday taco tradition.

I made these for friends last week and even the doubters couldn't stop eating them. It's funny how the tastiest dishes often come when you ditch the usual shell.

Key Components

  • Sweet Potatoes: Go for ones that look about the same size
  • Lean Ground Beef: The 90/10 mix is just right
  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They add that smoky kick
  • Fresh Garlic: Mince up at least two cloves
  • Taco Seasonings: Make your own or grab a packet
  • Good Olive Oil: To coat your potatoes

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Getting Potatoes Ready:
Wash your sweet potatoes well and dry them off. Poke them several times with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This sets you up for a nice crispy outside and soft inside.
Baking Them Right:
Put your prepped potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment and cook at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes. You can tell they're done when a fork slides in easily. The hot oven brings out their natural sweetness.
Making The Topping:
While your potatoes bake, cook garlic and onions in a pan until they smell amazing. Throw in your ground beef and spices, and cook until browned. Add those fire-roasted tomatoes and let everything bubble until it thickens up nicely.
Putting It All Together:
Cut your baked potatoes down the middle, fluff up the insides with a fork, and pile on that tasty taco filling. Now's when you can get creative with all your favorite extras.
A pair of baked sweet potatoes topped with a flavorful mix of meat, beans, and melted cheese. Pin it
A pair of baked sweet potatoes topped with a flavorful mix of meat, beans, and melted cheese. | cookingwithmee.com

I first tried making this when I was looking for ways to make taco night a bit healthier. Sometimes mixing familiar tastes in unexpected ways leads to the yummiest results.

Awesome Topping Ideas

Make each serving special with these tasty extras:

  • Tangy sharp cheddar on top
  • Fresh homemade guac or plain avocado
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Fresh chunky pico de gallo
  • Your favorite salsas or hot sauces
  • Spicy pickled jalapeños
  • A squeeze of lime for zing
Two halves of pumpkin stuffed with savory meat and finished with creamy guacamole and chunky salsa. Pin it
Two halves of pumpkin stuffed with savory meat and finished with creamy guacamole and chunky salsa. | cookingwithmee.com

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Keep your taco mix and sweet potatoes in separate containers in the fridge for 3-4 days max. When you're ready to eat again, heat the filling in a pan on medium heat, and warm the potatoes in a 350°F oven until they're hot throughout.

A dark plate featuring a colorful mix of beans, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado sitting on a black background. Pin it
A dark plate featuring a colorful mix of beans, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado sitting on a black background. | cookingwithmee.com

Wrapping Up

These Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring together feel-good comfort food with nutritious eating. Every forkful gives you that taco satisfaction plus all the good stuff from nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. Whether you're bored with regular taco night or just want a healthier dinner option, this dish shows how playing with everyday ingredients can turn into something really special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these beforehand?
Sure thing, you can cook each part separately and put them together when you're ready to eat.
→ Is ground turkey okay to use?
Absolutely, ground turkey makes a great lighter option. Just add the same spices.
→ How can I tell if my sweet potatoes are cooked?
They should feel tender when you stick a fork in them and be completely soft inside.
→ Can I cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave?
You bet, though they taste better baked, microwaving works fine when you're short on time.
→ What's the best way to keep leftovers?
Keep the potatoes and filling in different containers in your fridge for up to 3 days.

Stuffed Taco Sweet Potatoes

Soft baked sweet potatoes stuffed with savory taco beef and loaded with cheese, guac, and crisp garnishes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Lily

Category: Vegetarian Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Sweet Potatoes

01 2 sweet potatoes
02 Olive oil for coating
03 Salt and pepper as needed

→ For the Taco Filling

04 1 pound ground beef
05 ½ white onion, diced
06 2 garlic cloves, crushed
07 14.5 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
08 1 tablespoon chili powder
09 1 teaspoon cumin
10 1 teaspoon paprika
11 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12 ½ teaspoon onion powder
13 ½ teaspoon salt
14 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

15 Guacamole
16 Shredded cheddar cheese
17 Pico de gallo
18 Sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Turn oven to 425°F. Cover your baking tray with parchment. Clean potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Prick several holes, coat with oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper.

Step 02

Put sweet potatoes in oven for 40-45 minutes until they're completely soft when poked.

Step 03

Pour olive oil in pan on medium-high heat. Toss in garlic and onions, cooking until soft.

Step 04

Throw in ground beef with all seasonings, stir for 3-4 minutes until no pink remains. Pour in tomatoes and simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened.

Step 05

Cut potatoes down the middle, loosen insides with fork. Top with beef mixture and add your favorite extras.

Notes

  1. You can dish up whole potatoes or just halves
  2. Add any taco toppings you love
  3. Makes a tasty switch from regular taco shells

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large sauté pan
  • Fork

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy if you add cheese or sour cream

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 25 g