Save A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender baked sweet potatoes filled with zesty, flavorful chili. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal or casual entertaining.
I first made this meal when my family wanted something cozy but not too heavy, and the combination of sweet potatoes and chili won everyone instantly.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- Chili Filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 bell pepper (diced, any color), 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans for vegetarian), 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese, Sour cream or Greek yogurt, Sliced green onions, Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Start Chili:
- While sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Cook Meat/Beans:
- Add ground beef (or beans for vegetarian), breaking up meat and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Chili:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Prepare Potatoes for Filling:
- When potatoes are tender, let cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise, gently push open, and fluff flesh with a fork.
- Stuff and Serve:
- Spoon a generous amount of chili into each potato. Top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro as desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids love topping their sweet potatoes with extra cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro, making every serving just a little bit unique.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, spoon or fork.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese or sour cream. Always check canned goods and toppings for gluten-containing additives.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 22 g (per serving with beef, without cheese/sour cream).
Save This comforting meal perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors—serve it hot to warm up any night of the week.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I make the filling vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute ground meat with black beans for a vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done baking?
The sweet potatoes are ready when a knife or fork pierces easily through the flesh without resistance.
- → What spices enhance the chili filling?
Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper add warmth and depth to the chili blend.
- → Are there any quick cooking alternatives for sweet potatoes?
Yes, microwaving sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes can be used as a faster alternative to oven baking.
- → What toppings complement this dish well?
Shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro enhance flavor and add freshness.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, but verify canned goods and toppings to ensure no gluten-containing additives.