Taco Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes (Healthy Comfort Food)
These Taco Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes are an easy, healthy dinner packed with smoky taco meat and fresh toppings for a fun weeknight meal.
When Taco Night Meets The Sweet Potato (Even Skeptics Approve)
It's taken me many tries to get my family fully on board with sweet potatoes. The number of years I spent trying to sneak them into recipes is honestly too many to count. But I'm happy to report that persistence pays off-because over time, they've not only accepted this nutritious superfood, they've actually grown to love it.
And really, what better way to dress up a sweet potato than with bold, smoky taco flavors and fresh, colorful toppings? The natural sweetness of a sweet potato is the perfect complement to the savory taco meat, creating a balance that feels both comforting and exciting. It's a healthy option, but it still feels indulgent- like you're getting away with something a little fun.
And let's be honest: toppings are everything. They're not optional if you want the full experience. This meal is hearty, fresh, filling, and just might turn even the biggest sweet potato skeptics into true believers.
Watch Me Make Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
Ingredients You Need For Taco Sweet Potatoes
See the full list and measurements in the printable recipe card below.
- Sweet potatoes- Medium to larger size sweet potatoes will hold the filling and toppings the best.
- Ground Beef- Lean ground beef is a great option to keep the filling from being overly greasy.
- Beans- Any hearty bean will work -- black beans, kidney beans, white beans.
- Salsa- Use your favorite brand or homemade. The idea is building rich flavors for the best filling.
- Onions
- Spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Olive oil and kosher salt for a crispy skins.
Helpful Tip To Save Time
- To save time bake your sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, then all you need to do is prepare your taco meat and toppings. This is helpful for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in under 30-minutes.
How To Prepare Taco Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Prepare and bake potatoes- Scrub and dry the sweet potatoes, then poke a few holes with a fork. Lightly brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 400℉ for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare meat filling- While sweet potatoes bake, brown ground beef in a skillet with onions, then stir in spices, salsa, water, and beans. Allow to cook and simmer for a few minutes.
- Prepare your toppings- There are truly so many options but we love the basics---cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, smashed avocado, and green onions. Have fun with it!
- Assemble sweet potatoes- Cut sweet potatoes down the center and fluff the inside with a fork. Scoop some of the meat filling on top of each half, then top with your favorite taco toppings.
Healthy Swaps and Variations
- Swap sweet potatoes for russets if you prefer a classic white potato.
- Make it vegetarian by using black beans, lentils, or plant-based taco crumbles.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Lower-fat options include lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Try Extra veggies like corn, sautéed peppers, or onions.
Ang's Tips For The Best Baked Sweet Potatoes
Crisp skins: While sweet potatoes take a little more effort than russet potatoes to get crispy, you can still achieve a deliciously crisp outer texture by following a few simple steps.
- Oil or butter the outside of the sweet potato and add a generous sprinkle of salt. The oil and salt together help create a nice golden crust on the outside.
- Baked unwrapped -- no foil. The foil will trap steam, making the skins moist and soft.
- Place potatoes on a sheet pan so they don't drip in the oven. This will also create a golden crust on the bottom of the potatoes. Yum!
- Bake in high heat...between 400-425℉ for a crisp exterior.
- Allow potatoes to rest 10-minutes before slicing. This not only dries out the outside from any moisture, but also allows the inside steam to settle for a lighter and fluffier potato.
More Taco-Inspired Recipes To Try
- Southwest Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
- Taco Spaghetti
- Taco Sloppy Joes
- Mexican Lasagna
- Mexican Quinoa Casserole
Taco Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- sheet pan
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium size sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- kosher salt
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 7 ounces salsa I buy the 7 oz can Herdez salsa
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- salt and pepper to taste
Topping Options
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced tomatoes
- sliced green onions
- avocado or guacamole
- sour cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then poke a few holes in each with a fork. Rub the skins with oil or melted butter and season generously with kosher salt. Place on a foil- or parchment-lined sheet pan and bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender when gently squeezed. Allow to rest 10-minutes before slicing in half.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet to medium high heat and brown ground beef. Remove any excess grease, then stir in onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions have softened.
- Next add seasonings, salsa, water, and black beans. Cook for 5-minutes to heat the ingredients through. Add salt and pepper if needed and set mixture aside.
- Prepare your toppings at this time.
- Assemble sweet potatoes by slicing each potato in half lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the inside flesh being careful not to tear the skin. Scoop some of the meat filling on each half, followed by your toppings---cheese, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and avocado. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Dinner Ideas For Busy Weeknights
Looking for more easy dinner options for busy weeks? Add these to your weekly menu: Maple Bourbon Chili or Tomato Soup with White Beans are both fast stovetop meals that only takes 30-minutes. If you love skillet meals you'll love my One-Pan Ground Beef and Potatoes, Easy Chicken Chow Mein, or my Cheesy Margherita Pasta skillet meal.
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These were to die for. I would have never guessed the sweet potato and I usually do not like these but that makes this recipe amazing. The subtle sweet taste. I wasn’t expecting but needed in my life!
Thank you Ang and all you do for us viewers of THEMENUEMAID.
I'm so glad you enjoyed these! Thank you for taking the time to review and share your feedback.