Easy & Healthy Taco Sweet Potatoes: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Forget the tortillas for a night and dive into a world of flavor with these incredible Taco Sweet Potatoes! Imagine perfectly roasted, fluffy sweet potato halves piled high with savory, seasoned ground beef and all your favorite taco fixings. This recipe offers a delicious, healthier, and naturally gluten-free twist on classic taco night, transforming a simple vegetable into a vibrant and satisfying meal.

If you love creative ways to enjoy your tacos, you’ll also adore my easy taco stuffed peppers for another veggie-loaded option!

While I’m a big fan of whipping up classic tacos or even a hearty taco casserole to satisfy that undeniable craving, these easy taco sweet potatoes have become a frequent favorite in our household. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of tacos in a wholesome, hearty package. The natural sweetness of the baked potato perfectly complements the rich, spiced ground beef, creating a delightful balance that keeps you coming back for more. With a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a burst of fresh toppings, every bite is pure perfection. Get ready for your taste buds to dance!

Why You’ll Love These Taco Sweet Potatoes

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to your weeknight dinner rotation. Here are just a few reasons why these stuffed sweet potatoes will become your new go-to:

• A Wholesome Twist on Taco Night: Say goodbye to tortillas for a bit! This recipe cleverly replaces your traditional taco shell with a naturally sweet, fluffy, and tender sweet potato. It’s a fantastic way to sneak extra vegetables into your diet, making dinner both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for gluten-free meals.
• Bursting with Flavor: The magical combination of the sweet potatoes’ earthy sweetness with savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef creates an irresistible flavor profile. Add in your favorite spicy and fresh toppings, and you have a symphony of tastes and textures that will seriously wow your palate.
• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. While your sweet potatoes are baking to tender perfection in the oven, you can prepare the zesty taco filling. Then, it’s just a matter of fluffing, stuffing, and serving. These stuffed sweet potatoes make for a perfect light meal or an impressive side dish to almost any Mexican-inspired feast.
• Highly Adaptable & Customizable: The beauty of taco sweet potatoes lies in their versatility. You’re the chef here! Adjust the taco meat to be as spicy or mild as you like, or swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative. Load them up with an endless array of toppings – shredded cheese, cool sour cream, creamy salsa, rich avocado, crisp lettuce, or tangy pico de gallo. The possibilities are truly boundless!
• Naturally Gluten-Free: For those avoiding gluten, this dish is a fantastic alternative to traditional tacos, providing all the flavor without the wheat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these flavorful taco sweet potatoes with just a few core ingredients. The real magic happens with your choice of vibrant toppings. Below are some quick notes on what you’ll need. For a precise, printable list with measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of our dish! Sweet potatoes vary greatly in size and shape. You’ll typically need about 2-4 medium to large sweet potatoes to serve four people, depending on how substantial you want each serving to be. Look for ones that are relatively uniform in shape for even cooking and wide enough to hold a generous amount of filling.
• Ground Beef: I generally opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. However, you can easily adapt this recipe. Ground chicken or ground turkey are excellent leaner alternatives, or for a richer flavor, consider using pork sausage. For a plant-based option, seasoned black beans, lentils, or crumbled plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully.
• Taco Seasoning: This is where the signature taco flavor comes from! I’m a big advocate for keeping a jar of homemade taco seasoning in my pantry – it’s super quick to make, allows you to control the ingredients, and tastes incredibly fresh. Alternatively, a packet of your favorite store-bought taco seasoning will work just fine.
• Your Favorite Toppings: This is where the fun truly begins! While the sweet potato and taco meat form a delicious base, the toppings elevate this dish to an extraordinary level. My personal favorites include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, cool and creamy sour cream, homemade guacamole, and fresh diced tomatoes. Don’t stop there – scroll down for more suggestions, and let your creativity shine!

How to Make Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Creating these delicious taco-stuffed sweet potatoes is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect meal. Remember to refer to the recipe card below the post for detailed, printable instructions and exact measurements.

• 1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes under cold running water and scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them dry. Then, using a fork, pierce the skin several times all over. This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly. You have a couple of options for cooking:
  • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pierced sweet potatoes directly on an oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and soft when squeezed gently. Cooking time will vary based on potato size.
  • Instant Pot Method: For a faster approach, follow the directions for my easy Instant Pot sweet potatoes. This method significantly cuts down on cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• 2. Cook the Taco Meat: While your sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the savory taco filling. In a large skillet, brown your chosen ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey) over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for a less greasy, more flavorful filling. Stir in the taco seasoning along with any water or liquid specified on your seasoning packet (or in your homemade seasoning recipe). Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly absorbed and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

• 3. Stuff the Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully cut each one in half lengthwise. If you’re using very small sweet potatoes, you can leave them whole. Use a fork to gently fluff the soft flesh inside each sweet potato half. This creates a perfect bed for your filling. Generously spoon the prepared taco meat into the hollowed-out sweet potatoes.
• 4. Serve and Enjoy!: Now for the best part – serving! Arrange your stuffed sweet potatoes on plates and let everyone customize their dinner with an array of fresh and flavorful taco toppings. See below for a bounty of easy topping and serving ideas to make your meal truly unforgettable.

Tips and Variation Ideas

Elevate your taco sweet potato experience with these helpful tips and creative variation ideas:

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: For the best stuffing experience, opt for wider, more uniformly shaped sweet potatoes. They create a larger “boat” to hold your delicious filling and toppings compared to long, narrow ones. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.
• Proper Sweet Potato Prep: Always give your sweet potatoes a thorough scrub and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris before cooking, especially since you’ll be eating the skin (which is packed with nutrients!). Pat them completely dry afterward.
• Experiment with Proteins:
  • Leaner Meats: Ground chicken or turkey are excellent, lighter alternatives to ground beef. Ensure they are cooked through and seasoned well.
  • Shredded Meats: If you have leftover cooked shredded chicken or shredded beef, they can be easily incorporated. My Instant Pot salsa chicken is particularly amazing for this!
  • Plant-Based Options: For a vegetarian or vegan meal, replace the meat with seasoned black beans, lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a store-bought plant-based ground meat substitute. Sauté the beans or lentils with taco seasoning until heated through and flavorful.
• Control the Spice Level:
  • Extra Kick: If you love heat, add an extra sprinkle of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to your ground meat while it simmers with the taco seasoning.
  • Fresh Heat: Stir in finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the meat mixture.
  • Mild: If you prefer milder flavors, ensure your taco seasoning is mild and adjust any additional spices accordingly.
• Flavor Boosters for Sweet Potatoes: After fluffing the cooked sweet potato flesh, you can stir in a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, to enhance their natural flavor before adding the filling.
• Roast for Crispier Skins: For slightly crispier sweet potato skins, rub them with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before baking.

Taco Toppings Galore!

Once your sweet potatoes are beautifully stuffed with flavorful taco meat, it’s time for the grand finale: the toppings! Setting out an assortment of options allows everyone to customize their dinner, making it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family. Think of your Mexican-style sweet potatoes as a canvas for a vibrant array of textures and flavors. Here are some of our family’s favorite ideas, but feel free to get creative with what you have on hand:

• Shredded Cheese: A classic! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend add creamy, melty goodness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the savory meat.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced filling.
• Guacamole or Diced Avocado: Creamy, rich avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a kick of heat and a tangy crunch.
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa: A fresh and zesty salsa adds layers of flavor and moisture. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot!
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a mild, briny taste.
• Corn: Fresh, frozen (thawed), or roasted corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Crispy Onions or Fritos: For an extra crunch and savory flavor.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra personal touch of heat.

Serving Suggestions

These taco sweet potatoes are so hearty and flavorful, they absolutely shine as a satisfying meal all on their own. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or serve them as part of a larger spread, here are some fantastic pairings:

• A Simple Drizzle: Finish off your taco sweet potatoes with a drizzle of homemade enchilada sauce or bright salsa verde. A fresh squeeze of lime juice always adds a lovely zing and brightens all the flavors.
• Pair with Seafood: Serve alongside juicy cilantro lime shrimp for a vibrant and healthy combination.
• Classic Sides: A side of fluffy cilantro lime rice and a simple black bean salad would make a complete and traditional meal.
• For a Heartier Meal: Serve with crispy cheese quesadillas or a plate of loaded air fryer nachos for an ultimate comfort food experience.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the stuffed sweet potatoes.
• Elotes (Mexican Street Corn): A side of creamy, tangy Mexican street corn would be an amazing addition to elevate the meal.

How to Meal Prep Taco Sweet Potatoes

This sweet potato recipe is an absolute dream for meal prepping! Preparing components on a weekend afternoon means you’ll have delicious, easy lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the busy week. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Cook Sweet Potatoes in Advance: Bake or Instant Pot your sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooled completely, store them whole or halved (without fluffing or filling) in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Prepare Taco Meat Ahead: Cook the taco meat according to the recipe instructions. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a separate airtight container. Store this in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep Toppings Separate: Chop any fresh toppings like tomatoes, onions, or cilantro, and store them in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from making other components soggy.
• Assemble Just Before Serving: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat a sweet potato and a portion of the taco meat. Fluff the potato, add the warm meat, and then pile on your fresh toppings. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Proper storage ensures your taco sweet potatoes remain delicious for days. It’s generally best to store the components separately when possible to maintain texture.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover cooked sweet potatoes and taco meat in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve already assembled them, it’s best to remove any cold toppings (like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa) before storing.
• Reheat:
  • Oven: For best results, reheat leftover stuffed sweet potatoes (without cold toppings) in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Covering them loosely with foil can prevent drying.
  • Microwave: For a quicker option, place the stuffed sweet potato (without foil or cold toppings) on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
• Freeze: Both cooked sweet potatoes and cooked taco meat freeze beautifully! You can freeze them together in an assembled but untopped potato, or in separate airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Taco-Inspired Recipes to Love

Can’t get enough of taco flavors? Here are more exciting recipes that bring that beloved taste to your table in new and creative ways:

• Sheet Pan Tacos: Easy cleanup, big flavor!
• Taco Sloppy Joes: A fun, kid-friendly twist on a classic.
• Taco Pizza: Two comfort foods in one delicious dish.
• Potato Tacos: Another fantastic vegetarian taco option.
• Taco Pasta Skillet: A hearty and quick one-pan meal.

Taco Sweet Potatoes

By
Erin Sellin

These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are soft and fluffy sweet potatoes piled high with savory ground beef and your favorite taco toppings!

Prep:
5 minutes mins

Cook:
1 hour hr

Total:
1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings:
4 servings

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Ingredients

• ▢
  4 small or 2 large sweet potatoes
• ▢
  1 pound lean ground beef
• ▢
  1 packet taco seasoning, or homemade taco seasoning

Toppings

• ▢
  Shredded Cheese
• ▢
  Sour Cream
• ▢
  Guacamole
• ▢
  Diced Tomatoes

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes well with a fork. Bake for about an hour, or until they are soft and cooked through. Alternatively, follow the directions for Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes for a faster cooking method.
  4 small or 2 large sweet potatoes
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the meat with the taco seasoning and add any water called for on the seasoning packet or in your homemade recipe. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the flavors are well combined.
  1 pound lean ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning
• Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, prepare them for serving. If they are small, you can use one whole sweet potato per person. For larger sweet potatoes, cut them in half lengthwise and use one half per person. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside flesh of the sweet potato. Fill each potato generously with the seasoned taco meat and top with your favorite taco toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g |
Calories: 406kcal |
Carbohydrates: 25g |
Protein: 36g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 110mg |
Sodium: 737mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour hour

Total Time:
1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American, Mexican

Servings:
4 servings

Calories:
406

Keyword:
taco stuffed sweet potatoes, taco sweet potatoes

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