Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are baked sweet potatoes loaded with seasoned ground beef, tomato paste, garlic, and spices, then finished under the broiler with melted mozzarella. They are filling, flavorful, high in protein, and an easy weeknight dinner that still feels like something special.
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Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
The sweet potatoes bake low and slow until fork tender, while the beef filling gets its depth from tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika. A pinch of jalapeno is optional if you want extra heat. Melted mozzarella and a scatter of green onions finish it off.
Most of the time here is hands off baking, the actual prep and cooking only takes about 15 to 20 minutes of real work.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes - pick medium ones that are all about the same size (roughly ½ lb each) so they finish baking at the same time. Skip very large ones, since they take much longer to cook through. Garnet and jewel varieties give the creamiest, sweetest flesh.
- Ground beef - 80/20 gives the best flavor and keeps the filling juicy. Leaner beef works too, but add a small splash of water or a drizzle of oil so it does not dry out. Ground turkey or chicken are easy swaps.
- Red onion - dice it small so it softens quickly and adds a mild sweetness. Yellow onion works if that is what you have.
- Garlic - use fresh minced cloves for the strongest flavor. Add it right before the beef so it does not burn.
- Tomato paste - this adds a deep, concentrated savory flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the potato. Cook it into the beef for a couple of minutes so it loses its raw taste.
- Italian seasoning - adds an herby, savory backbone to the filling. A mix of dried oregano and basil works as a substitute.
- Chili powder and smoked paprika - these give the filling its warm, smoky flavor. Try not to swap in regular paprika, since the smoked kind is what adds that roasted depth.
- Salt and black pepper - season generously. Sweet potato is naturally sweet, so the filling needs to be well seasoned to balance it. Taste the beef before stuffing and adjust.
- Mozzarella cheese - shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts best. Shredding your own from a block gives a smoother, bubblier melt than bagged. Use ½ cup if you like it extra cheesy, or swap in cheddar or a Mexican blend for a sharper flavor.
- Jalapeno - optional, for extra heat. Mince it finely, and remove the seeds and white ribs for a milder kick.
- Green onions - these are for garnish, adding fresh crunch and color on top. Chives work too.
Julia's Tip
Do not skip mashing the sweet potato flesh before stuffing. It softens the texture and opens up more room for the filling, so every bite gets some of both instead of the beef just sitting on top.
If you like this kind of loaded, stuffed dinner, my baked stuffed bell peppers with rice and beef follow a similar idea.
How To Make Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes - Step By Step Photos
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, until fork tender.
- Cook the red onion in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the garlic and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in the seasonings and tomato paste, plus the jalapeno if using. Cook 2 to 3 more minutes until combined.
- Slice each baked sweet potato lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then gently mash and loosen the flesh with a fork to make room for the filling.
- Divide the beef mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes, then top with mozzarella and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until melted and bubbly. Watch closely so it does not burn.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.
For another easy ground beef dinner, my filthy cabbage potatoes with ground beef is worth adding to the rotation too.
Variations
- Make it extra cheesy. Increase the mozzarella to ½ cup if you prefer more melted cheese on top.
- Adjust the heat. Add the fresh jalapeno for extra spice, or leave it out for a milder version.
- Swap the protein. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work in place of beef.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Bake the sweet potatoes and cook the beef filling ahead, then refrigerate separately. Stuff and broil with the cheese right before serving so the cheese is fresh and bubbly.
Why Is My Filling Too Sweet?
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so the beef filling needs to be seasoned generously with the chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt to balance it out. Do not be shy with the seasoning.
Can I Use A Different Cheese?
Mozzarella melts smooth and mild, but a Mexican blend or sharp cheddar both work well if you want a sharper flavor.
How To Store Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
More Ground Beef Dinners You'll Love
Before You Head Out
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Recipe Card
Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until fork tender.4 medium sweet potatoes
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Add the jalapeno if using, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is well combined.¾ lb ground beef, 2 cloves garlic, ½ red onion, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and black pepper, 1 small fresh jalapeno
- Once baked, carefully slice each sweet potato lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Gently mash and loosen the flesh with a fork to make room for the filling. You can also mix a little of the sweet potato flesh into the beef mixture.
- Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes, spooning it into the centers.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each stuffed sweet potato. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve warm.green onions
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose similar sized sweet potatoes: this helps them all cook evenly.
- Mash the flesh: gently mashing the sweet potato flesh creates a softer texture and more room for the filling.
- Season generously: sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so a well seasoned beef filling is what balances the dish.
- Storage: keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
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Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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