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
