Loaded Taco Sweet Potato
We love this QUICK, 20 minute dinner. This nutritious loaded sweet potato is stuffed full of ground beef, cheese, avocado, and black beans. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare. It is taco themed with the beef flavored in taco seasoning and all your delicious taco toppings. If you need a quick and healthy dinner option, look no further!
Loaded taco sweet potato
I have been a quest recently to find quick and easy dinner options. This in partly due to having a 1 month old at home so by the evening we need dinner on the table fast. It can be a challenge to find recipes that are prepared in less than 30 minutes that are healthy. Most options are frozen or boxed meals that are stuffed full of preservations and mystery ingredients. This loaded sweet potato recipe is full of protein, antioxidants, and nutrients.
Ingredients in loaded taco sweet potato
- Sweet Potato
- Ground Beef
- Black Beans
- Cheddar Cheese
- Taco Seasoning Packet
- Sour Cream
- Avocado
- Salt & Pepper
How to make a loaded taco sweet potato
Microwave your sweet potatoes: I like to wash the skin briefly under water and use a fork to poke a few holes in the sweet potato. This allows steam to release easier. I place the sweet potato directly into the microwave (no plate) and microwave for 5-10 minutes based on the size. Mine required about 8 minutes. You know they are cooked when you can pierce the potato easily with a fork.
Prep your ground beef: While the sweet potatoes are in the microwave, cook your ground beef over medium high heat. Break it into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease and then follow the directions on the taco seasoning packet to season your meat.
Prep your black beans: Heat in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
Top your potato: Cut a slit at the top of your sweet potato and top with ground beef, black beans, avocado, cheese and sour cream. Salt & pepper to taste!
Why I love this recipe
QUICK – Dinner on the table in 20 minutes
HEALTHY – Nutritious and protein packed
VARIETY – You can easily change any of the toppings to your liking
Can you bake the sweet potatoes?
Yes! Baked sweet potatoes have a delicious crisp outside and fluffy inside. Bake at 425℉ for 45-60 minutes Obviously, this will not be a 20 minute meal if you utilize the oven.
What to serve this recipe with
This recipe can be served on its own, but pairs well with a salad, fruit, coleslaw, or any veggie!
Is this loaded sweet potato healthy?
Everyone has their own definition of healthy, but yes I would say this recipe is healthy. Sweet potatoes are known to be nutritious, high in antioxidants and minerals. They are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This recipe is high in protein to keep you fuller, longer!
FAQ and Substitutions
Sweet Potato – You can easily swap for a russet potato. I completely understand there may be some in your household who do not like sweet potatoes! I discovered my 2 year greatly dislikes sweet potatoes with this meal. Next time I will pop in a russet potato in the microwave for her.
Ground Beef – Ground turkey or ground chicken
Black Beans – Kidney or pinto beans
Cheddar Cheese – Pepper jack or Mexican style cheese would be great options
How I served this to my toddler and preschooler
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, my kids typically like their meals separated so they can pick and chose what they enjoy eating. However, for this meal my 4 year old threw a curve ball and requested “one with all the stuff together on the potato.” We discovered my daughter dislikes sweet potatoes in general, but she did enjoy the other toppings. This meal is so flexible so make sure you put something on their plate they love!
Suggested Toppings
- Other topping options:
- Cilantro
- Bacon
- Diced tomatoes
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Corn
Try this other sweet potato meal!
Storing a loaded sweet potato
You can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It easily microwaves to reheat. I would avoid microwaving the sour cream or avocado.
Loaded Taco Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes medium sized
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 15 oz. canned black beans
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 avocados sliced and diced
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Microwave your sweet potatoes: I like to wash the skin briefly under water and use a fork to poke a few holes in the sweet potato to let steam release. Microwave for 5-10 minutes based on the size. Mine required about 8 minutes. You know they are cooked when you can pierce the potato easily with a fork.
- Prep your ground beef: While the sweet potatoes are in the microwave, cook your ground beef over medium high heat. Break it into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease and then follow the directions on the taco seasoning packet to season your meat.
- Prep your black beans: Heat in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
- Top your potato: Cut a slit at the top of your sweet potato and top with ground beef, black beans, avocado, cheese and sour cream. Salt u0026 Pepper to taste!
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