This recipe combines tender ground beef spiced with smoky chipotle peppers and warm southwestern spices, served atop baked sweet potatoes for a complete, comforting meal.
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and tender when baked, providing a perfect base to balance the smoky, spicy beef topping.
Ideal for a quick weekday dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this dish is straightforward to prepare and bursting with bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chipotle beef topping.
- Using chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat that deeply flavors the beef without overwhelming it.
- Baking the sweet potatoes whole ensures fluffy interiors that hold the savory beef, creating a balanced and filling meal.
Smoky Chipotle Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A hearty and smoky chipotle-spiced beef topping served on perfectly baked sweet potatoes, blending comforting flavors with southwestern spice.
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 60 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 stuffed sweet potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs/700 g)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the sweet potatoes Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the chipotle beef topping Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Cook the beef and season Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add spices and liquids Stir in minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Pour in beef broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the stuffed sweet potatoes Slice each baked sweet potato lengthwise down the center, gently fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the chipotle beef mixture generously into each sweet potato.
- Add cheese and garnish If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed potatoes. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove and garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Pierce sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they bake thoroughly and evenly.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your heat preference.
- Leftover chipotle beef topping can be refrigerated and used within 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Do not leave cooked ground beef at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the chipotle beef topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the beef topping up to 3 days ahead. Reheat thoroughly before stuffing the sweet potatoes.
Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
Sweet potatoes offer more fiber and vitamin A compared to regular white potatoes, making them a nutritious choice.
How spicy is this dish with chipotle peppers?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce have a moderate smoky heat; adjust the number of peppers to suit your spice tolerance.
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