Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re like me and love quick, hearty meals that don’t compromise on flavor, this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but can’t spend hours cooking. The sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes paired with spiced ground beef and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a satisfying combo that never disappoints.
I often make this recipe when I’m craving tacos but want a healthier twist or when I need a gluten-free dinner option. Plus, it’s super flexible with toppings, so you can really make it your own. Trust me, once you try this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your rotation too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here work together beautifully to balance bold taco flavors with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Keep an eye out for good-quality ground beef and fire-roasted diced tomatoes — they really elevate the dish.
- Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness.
- White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch when cooked with the beef.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic truly wakes up the taco seasoning.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: I love the smoky flavor they bring without extra effort.
- Chili powder: The star spice that brings classic taco warmth.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness that deepens the flavor profile.
- Paprika: A smoky undertone, especially if you find smoked paprika.
- Garlic powder: Reinforces the fresh garlic with more complexity.
- Onion powder: Helps round out the savory notes in the seasoning.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Sweet potatoes: Medium to large-sized work best for stuffing.
- Olive oil: For roasting the potatoes with a nice crispy skin.
- Toppings: Guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, or whatever you love to finish your tacos.
Variations
What’s awesome about this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how much you can tweak it to match your mood or pantry. I’ve played around with a few variations over the years, and I encourage you to make it your own too.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for cooked lentils or black beans. I’ve done this on busy nights when I didn’t have meat on hand, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder if you like your tacos with some heat. I add extra spice when I’m in the mood for a flavor punch.
- Cheesy twist: Mix shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese into the beef mixture for extra melty goodness.
- Seasonal veggies: Toss some corn or diced bell peppers into the taco meat for added color and texture.
How to Make Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast your sweet potatoes until tender
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your sweet potatoes a good scrub, then poke a few holes in each with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Arrange them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft all the way through and a knife slides in easily. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked sweet potatoes provide that soft, slightly caramelized base that pairs wonderfully with the taco beef.
Step 2: Cook the taco beef filling
While the potatoes roast, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped white onion until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with all the spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and any excess liquid to evaporate. This makes for a rich, saucy taco filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Stuff and serve
When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork to create a little pocket. Spoon generous amounts of the spiced beef mixture right on top. This part is always fun because it’s so flexible – pile on as much or as little as you like. From here, add your favorite toppings and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
I always reach for creamy guacamole and sharp cheddar cheese to finish mine — they add coolness and richness that balance the spiced meat perfectly. Pico de gallo introduces a fresh, zesty pop, while a dollop of sour cream cools things down and adds creaminess. Don’t be shy to mix and match depending on what you have at home or your craving that day.
Side Dishes
I like keeping my sides light, so a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is my go-to. Sometimes, I throw together a quick slaw made from cabbage and lime juice to add crunch and acidity. It really rounds out the meal without weighing you down.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve served the taco stuffed sweet potatoes halved and topped in a colorful line on a big platter with various bowls of toppings alongside. It becomes a fun DIY taco bar where everyone can customize their own. I find it sparks conversation and keeps things casual but festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the meal, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep the stuffed sweet potatoes separate from the topping to prevent them from getting soggy overnight. This way, I can reheat and reassemble for a fresh taste the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, I recommend freezing the cooked taco filling by itself in freezer-safe bags or containers. Sweet potatoes can get a bit mushy when frozen whole, so it’s best to bake fresh or just reheat the filling and stuff fresh potatoes as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm up the taco meat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep it juicy. If the sweet potatoes are already cooked, microwave them for a minute or two until warm, or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. Then, assemble everything just like the first time for a quick, satisfying meal.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein options like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same taco spices. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to keep it fully vegan.
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How do I know when my sweet potatoes are done roasting?
The best way is to insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the potato. If it slides in easily without resistance, your sweet potatoes are tender and ready. Roasting times can vary based on size, so start checking at around 45 minutes.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
You sure can! Cook the sweet potatoes and taco filling in advance, store separately, and assemble when ready to eat. This makes for a quick and tasty meal during busy weekdays.
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What toppings do you recommend for extra flavor?
My favorites are classic guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or hot sauce for more heat and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to put together. Whether you’re craving tacos or just something cozy and wholesome, this hits all the right notes. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do — it’s a real winner for busy nights and casual dinners alike.
Print
Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef with nutritious sweet potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal. The sweet potatoes are baked until tender and then filled with a savory taco mixture made from ground beef, onions, garlic, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices. Topped with favorites like guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, this dish offers a perfect blend of comfort and zest that’s simple to make for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes (not drained)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Toppings (Optional)
- Guacamole
- Cheddar cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the sweet potatoes to a soft and tender texture.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork, then lightly brush them with olive oil. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drips.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork and fully soft inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
- Cook the Taco Filling: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, cut them lengthwise down the center without slicing all the way through. Gently press each potato to open up and create a pocket.
- Fill and Top: Spoon the taco beef mixture generously into each sweet potato. Add your favorite toppings such as guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the taco stuffed sweet potatoes warm as a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrition.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for about 8-10 minutes for a quicker option, but baking gives the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference or dietary needs.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger group.
- Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
Keywords: taco stuffed sweet potatoes, ground beef recipe, baked sweet potatoes, easy weeknight dinner, Mexican-inspired dish