Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Ground Beef, Cheddar and Guacamole
Stuffed Sweet Potato with Beef, Cheddar, and Guacamole
- Author: Maria
Description
Welcome — today we’re making a warm, satisfying dish: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with ground beef, melted cheddar, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream. Roasted sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet and nutrient-dense base while the beef and cheese add savory richness. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve guests. It balances protein, healthy fats, and fiber for a filling meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes – 4 medium, washed and scrubbed
- Ground beef – 500 g (lean is best)
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Guacamole – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Sour cream – 1/2 cup
- Tomatoes – 1/2 cup, diced
- Onion – 1 small, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh cilantro – chopped, for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For dairy-free versions, use plant-based cheddar and sour cream alternatives.
Instructions
Step 1 – Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40–50 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily and the centers are tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 2 – Sauté aromatics: While the potatoes roast, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook one more minute until fragrant.
Step 3 – Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook 7–10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4 – Season the beef: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes more so the spices bloom and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5 – Assemble the stuffed potatoes: When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork, leaving the skins intact. Spoon a generous portion of seasoned beef into each potato. Top with shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, a spoonful of guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish with chopped cilantro.
Serve immediately while the potatoes and cheese are warm.
Notes
- Choose the right potatoes: Medium sweet potatoes roast evenly and are easiest to handle. Very large potatoes may need extra time.
- Make fresh guacamole: A simple guacamole of mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and a little onion or cilantro lifts the dish far beyond store-bought versions.
- Customize toppings: Add diced jalapeño for heat, swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or queso fresco, or finish with a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Cooking Tips for Extra Flavor
- Roast garlic with the potatoes: Wrap a few garlic cloves in foil and roast them alongside the sweet potatoes. Mash the softened garlic into the potato flesh for extra depth.
- Add more heat if desired: Stir cayenne or red pepper flakes into the beef, or top with pickled jalapeños.
- Crisp the beef: After adding the spices, let the beef sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop little crispy brown bits before stirring.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed sweet potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette
- Cilantro-lime rice or a simple Mexican-style rice
- Grilled or roasted corn on the cob for a summery side
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Protein: ~28 g
- Fat: ~20 g
- Fiber: ~6 g
This meal supplies complex carbohydrates and fiber from the sweet potato, and a solid protein portion from the beef, making it balanced and satisfying.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover assembled or separate components in airtight containers for up to 3 days. If possible, keep guacamole and sour cream separate to preserve texture.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Add fresh guacamole and sour cream after reheating.
Freezing option: You can freeze roasted sweet potatoes and the cooked beef separately. Thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes — substitute the beef with black beans, cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- How can I increase the spice? Add diced fresh chilies, hot sauce, or extra chili powder and cayenne to the beef mixture.
- Can I prepare this ahead? Roast the potatoes and cook the beef in advance. Reheat and assemble just before serving to keep toppings fresh.
Related Recipes
- Creamy Chicken and Orzo with Broccoli and Cheddar
- Saumon à la Toscane — a creamy, flavorful salmon dish
Conclusion
This Stuffed Sweet Potato with beef, cheddar, guacamole, and sour cream is a hearty, well-rounded meal that’s both comforting and adaptable. It’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a small crowd. Try the optional swaps and topping variations to make it your own — and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors.
Happy cooking!
