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I've turned regular sweet potatoes into a taco-style dinner that's become my go-to when I need something quick but still healthy. The way the taco meat pairs with the natural sweetness of the potatoes creates such a good balance that even the fussiest eaters in my house clean their plates.
I came up with this idea during a tight week when we needed to stretch our food dollars. What started as just throwing together whatever was in the pantry has now turned into one of our most asked-for meals, especially when we want something filling that doesn't feel as heavy as regular tacos.
What You'll Need
- 90% lean ground beef: gives you plenty of protein without too much fat. Go for 90/10 or leaner for the best outcome
- Yellow onion: builds the foundation of flavor. Yellow varieties work better than white or red here
- Fresh garlic: adds that must-have aroma. Skip the jar stuff and go for whole cloves
- Taco spice mix: speeds up cooking time. Grab reduced salt options if you're watching your sodium
- Thick salsa: adds wetness and flavor without extra cutting. Pick mild or spicy based on what you like
- Water: thins out the mixture to just the right texture
- Orange sweet potatoes: create your healthy base. Try to pick ones that are about the same size with smooth skin
- Extra add-ons: such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado and a spoonful of sour cream to make each serving your own
How To Make It
- Cook Your Meat Mix:
- Toss your ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic into a big frying pan over medium high heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks until it's all brown, which takes around 7 minutes. You'll know the onions are done when they turn clear and smell good.
- Add Flavors and Cook Down:
- Pour off any extra fat, then mix in your taco seasoning packet and salsa. Stir it all up so the meat gets completely covered. Turn the heat down to medium low and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until it gets thicker and the flavors come together. Add a bit of water gradually until you get the right consistency. You want it wet but not soupy.
- Get Sweet Potatoes Ready:
- While your meat cooks, wash your sweet potatoes well and dry them off. Poke holes all over each potato with a fork so steam can escape. Put two potatoes in the microwave at once and cook on high for 8-10 minutes, turning them over halfway. Check if they're done by giving them a gentle squeeze with an oven mitt - they should feel soft. If they're still hard, keep cooking them in 1-minute bursts.
- Put It All Together:
- Let the cooked potatoes cool down a bit so you can handle them. Cut each one down the middle lengthwise and fluff up the inside with a fork. This makes a perfect spot for your taco filling. Scoop plenty of the taco meat over each potato. Then add whatever toppings you like - cheese will get a bit melty from the heat, tomatoes add freshness, avocado adds creaminess, and a dollop of sour cream finishes it off.
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Sweet potatoes really make this dish special. I found out how awesome microwaving them can be when I was running behind on dinner plans. It not only cuts down on cooking time, but gives them this amazing soft, fluffy inside that goes so well with the savory taco meat.
Prep It Early
This dish works great for planning ahead. You can cook the potatoes and taco meat separately and keep them in the fridge up to 3 days. When you're hungry, just warm the potatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, heat up the meat on the stove or in the microwave, and top with fresh ingredients. The sweet potatoes actually taste even better the next day as their flavor gets stronger overnight.
Switch It Up
What's great about this meal is how easy it is to change. While beef is the classic choice, ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you want something lighter. If you don't eat meat, try a mix of black beans and quinoa with the same taco seasonings. Not into sweet potatoes? Regular baking potatoes will work too, though you won't get that nice sweet contrast or the same nutrients.
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What To Serve With It
These loaded sweet potatoes are filling enough on their own, but they go really well with simple sides too. Try a basic green salad with lime and cilantro dressing to match the flavors. For a fun meal, add some tortilla chips and fresh chunky salsa on the side. If you're feeding lots of people, you could set out all the toppings in separate bowls so everyone can dress up their potato just how they like it.
Recipe FAQs
- → Could I swap ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely, turkey works perfectly! Use the same amount and follow the seasoning instructions for great results.
- → How can I microwave sweet potatoes while keeping them moist?
Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, then microwave them on high for 8-10 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure they stay soft and juicy.
- → What topping ideas pair well with taco-stuffed sweet potatoes?
Shredded cheese, diced avocados, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro are some fantastic topping options to try!
- → Can this meal be prepped ahead of time?
Sure! Prepare the meat and cook your sweet potatoes in advance. Store them separately in containers, then reheat and assemble when you're ready.
- → Is there a vegetarian-friendly way to make this dish?
You bet! Replace the beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, and season them with taco spices to keep all the deliciousness.