Sweet potatoes are like nature’s gift to food lovers – naturally sweet, incredibly versatile, and packed with nutrients. But why settle for just any sweet potato when you can take it to the next level with a fully loaded stuffing? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with this indulgent recipe for fully loaded stuffed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or your protein of choice)
- 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos, sliced green onions, hot sauce, salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to pierce each sweet potato a few times to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the filling: While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the protein and veggies: Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, and cooked corn kernels. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are fully baked, carefully slice each one open lengthwise using a sharp knife. Use a fork to fluff the flesh slightly. Spoon the loaded filling generously into each sweet potato, dividing it evenly among them.
- Top it off: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the loaded sweet potatoes and return them to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the finishing touches: In a small bowl, combine the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime juice to make a creamy topping. Spoon the avocado mixture over the stuffed sweet potatoes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the loaded sweet potatoes with sliced jalapenos, sliced green onions, and your favorite hot sauce or salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
With their hearty filling, vibrant colors, and irresistible toppings, these fully loaded stuffed sweet potatoes are a feast for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests, these stuffed sweet potatoes are guaranteed to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your meal with this deliciously indulgent recipe!