Hearty Beef and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These baked sweet potatoes are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, black beans, and spices, topped with cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying, easy dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Potatoes
- Beef Filling
- Topping
Let’s make it
Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Beef Filling
While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Beef Filling
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Beef Filling
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Beef Filling
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Beef Filling
Add the drained black beans, mix well, and cook for another 3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Assembly
When sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise and mash the inside gently with a fork to create space for filling.
Assembly
Spoon the beef and black bean mixture evenly into each sweet potato, mounding it generously.
Assembly
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Assembly
Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Tips & notes
Use medium-sized sweet potatoes for even baking and stuffing. If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the beef mixture. For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add more beans and chopped vegetables.
Saving it for later
Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for best freshness. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave covered for 2-3 minutes, stirring the filling halfway through for even warming.
