Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a total game-changer. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and tender, which pairs perfectly with the spicy, savory taco beef filling. I love how this recipe feels special without being complicated — it’s a great dish to throw together when you want something comforting but not fussy.
What really makes this recipe stand out is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family night or meal prepping for the week, these taco stuffed sweet potatoes hold up beautifully. Plus, they’re a fun way to sneak in some extra nutrients without feeling like you’re compromising on flavor. Trust me, once you try this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. When choosing your sweet potatoes, go for ones that are firm and have a smooth skin for the best texture and roasting results.
- Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful meat that holds well in the taco filling.
- White onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the beef mixture — feels so fresh when cooked just right.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic will bring that aromatic punch that really lifts the whole flavor profile.
- Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes: I love the smoky touch these add; don’t drain them to keep the filling juicy.
- Chili powder: The star spice here, it gives that authentic taco heat and warmth.
- Cumin: Adds a toasty earthiness that pairs so well with chili powder.
- Paprika: I use smoked paprika sometimes for an extra smoky depth.
- Garlic powder: A little boost to keep those garlicky notes consistent throughout.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the onion flavor nicely along with the fresh chopped onion.
- Salt & black pepper: Season to taste — these bring all the flavors together.
- Sweet potatoes: Medium-sized ones are best — they roast evenly and hold the filling perfectly.
- Olive oil: For roasting the sweet potatoes — gives a lovely crisp skin and prevents sticking.
- Toppings (guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream): Totally optional but bring freshness, creaminess, and vibrant color to the dish.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or cravings. The great thing about this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can get creative and make it your own!
- Vegetarian option: I often swap ground beef for black beans or lentils to make it meatless but still hearty and protein-packed.
- Spice level: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to kick the heat up a notch for friends who like it spicy.
- Cheese choices: I’ve used cotija cheese or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor twist.
- Seasonal veggies: Tossing in corn kernels or diced bell peppers with the meat adds a nice touch of sweetness and extra color.
- Herbs: Cilantro on top freshens things up, but I’ve also tried chopped scallions for a bit of crunch.
How to Make Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the sweet potatoes a good scrub, then poke them a few times with a fork — this helps steam escape and prevents bursting. Rub each potato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 to 55 minutes until they’re tender and their skins are slightly crisp. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. If you’re short on time, microwaving for 5–7 minutes first can speed things up, then finish in the oven for that nice texture.
Step 2: Cook Up the Taco Beef Filling
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant — careful not to burn it! Now add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until browned through, no pink bits left. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes so all those spices meld together and the mixture thickens slightly. I like to taste here and adjust seasoning — sometimes a little more salt or chili powder makes all the difference.
Step 3: Assemble Your Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise down the center. Use a fork to fluff up the inside slightly — this helps create a cozy bed for the taco filling. Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture into each potato, letting those juices soak in. Now’s the fun part — add on your favorite toppings! I swear by creamy guacamole, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Don’t be shy here; toppings bring that perfect balance of cool and creamy to offset the warm, spicy filling.
How to Serve Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
For me, garnishes are where the dish really shines. I love sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for that fresh pop of color and flavor. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a bright zip that kicks everything up another notch. And for those who love a little heat, I sometimes add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Side Dishes
I usually keep sides simple with this recipe because it’s already pretty filling. A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus pairs nicely without stealing the spotlight. If you want something more substantial, a side of Mexican rice or black beans can round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I tried serving these Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe at a casual dinner party. Instead of plating them whole, I scooped out the sweet potato flesh, mixed it with the taco meat, cheese, and some fresh herbs, then stuffed the mixture back into halved sweet potatoes stuffed with beans and corn for color. It looked amazing and everyone loved the handheld style! You could also lay the filling over potato rounds for taco bites, making this recipe totally party-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover beef filling and roasted sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything tasting fresh for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, it saves you from soggy sweet potatoes because the filling can make the skin lose crispness if stored together.
Freezing
Freezing the cooked taco beef filling works great — just cool it completely, portion into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. I don’t freeze the roasted sweet potatoes because their texture changes and gets a bit mushy. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the beef filling overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes so they warm through but don’t get soggy. Meanwhile, warm the taco beef in a skillet or microwave. Then assemble like fresh with your favorite toppings — this reheating approach keeps the flavors vibrant and textures enjoyable.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for cooked black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can season the filling exactly the same way for that classic taco flavor but keep it completely veggie-friendly.
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How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
You’ll want to test them by inserting a fork or skewer into the thickest part — it should slide in easily without resistance. The skin should be slightly crisp but the inside soft and fluffy.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the taco beef filling in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh.
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What toppings work best for this recipe?
Classic toppings like guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream are favorites. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, or even pickled onions add extra layers of flavor you might love.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s everything I want on a busy night — uncomplicated, nutritious, and totally crave-worthy. I really hope you’ll give it a try and see just how lovely these simple ingredients can be when combined thoughtfully. Cooking this dish feels like sharing a little comfort from my kitchen to yours, and I know once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it time and again.
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 and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Easy Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe combines hearty ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, stuffed into tender baked sweet potatoes. Topped with your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, this dish offers a nutritious and flavorful twist on taco night that’s simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 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
Vegetables
- 2 sweet potatoes
Other
- Olive oil (for brushing potatoes)
Toppings (Optional)
- Guacamole
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato several times with a fork, then lightly brush them with olive oil to help the skin crisp up during baking. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to coat the beef evenly. Then add the canned fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Assemble the Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the inside flesh slightly, creating a cavity for the filling. Spoon the seasoned taco beef mixture generously into each sweet potato.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top the stuffed sweet potatoes with your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Serve immediately for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the taco beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it for a quicker meal.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with black beans or lentils and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Sweet potatoes can also be cooked in the microwave to save time, about 5-8 minutes per potato depending on size.
Keywords: taco stuffed sweet potatoes, easy taco recipe, ground beef stuffed sweet potatoes, healthy taco meal, Mexican-style stuffed sweet potatoes