These Chili Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a nutritious and comforting meal, filled with hearty chili and topped with melted cheese. A delicious twist that’s perfect for health-conscious foodies!

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground turkey (or vegetarian alternative)
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
Spoon the chili mixture generously into each sweet potato, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili mixture. You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using a plant-based protein instead of turkey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 400 kcal
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 30g

Hey there, food lovers! Emma Lafifi here, ready to share a recipe that might just become your new go-to for cozy nights in. We’re diving into the mouth-watering, belly-warming world of Loaded Chili Cheese Sweet Potatoes. Imagine soft, roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with spicy, savory chili, topped with cheese, green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream (or Greek yogurt, for those of us trying to keep it a bit lighter). It’s the best of both worlds: comfort food with a health boost. So, buckle up because we’re about to make magic in the kitchen.

Why Sweet Potatoes and Chili?

First off, let’s talk about the ingredients in this star-studded combo: sweet potatoes and chili. If you think of sweet potatoes, you might picture a Thanksgiving casserole (cue the marshmallows and cinnamon). But in this dish, sweet potatoes step out of their holiday role and become a year-round favorite. They’re nutrient-dense, full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, yet have a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy flavors of chili.

Chili, on the other hand, is the ultimate comfort food. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether that means going classic with ground beef, kicking it up a notch with extra spices, or making it vegetarian with beans and veggies. And that’s just the start of the benefits!

Ingredients for Success

Here’s what you’ll need to make this masterpiece. Don’t worry; it’s all straightforward—nothing too fancy, but the results will feel gourmet.

For the Sweet Potatoes:

4 large sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized ones that will cook evenly.
1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to keep those skins from drying out.
Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way here.

For the Chili:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey if you want a leaner option)
1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed): Adds fiber and that creamy texture.
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Provides acidity and helps make the chili saucy.
1 small onion, diced: Onion brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the chili.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that bold, classic chili flavor.
1 tbsp chili powder: Essential for that warm, spicy base.
1 tsp cumin: Adds an earthy, nutty flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika: For a hint of smokiness that takes the dish to the next level.
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat): Add it if you’re feeling daring!
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to suit your preference.

For the Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because every great chili needs cheese.
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy goodness that balances the spices.
Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Because a little green goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well, then prick them with a fork a few times to let steam escape. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle on a little salt and pepper. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re soft and tender. Pro tip: If you’ve got a sweet potato that’s on the larger side, give it a little extra time in the oven to make sure it cooks through.

2. Making the Chili

While those sweet potatoes are roasting, let’s tackle the chili. Take a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nice and browned, drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you’re using it) and cook for an additional minute to let those spices bloom. Add in the canned tomatoes and black beans, give everything a good stir, and lower the heat. Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so all those flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Stuffing and Serving

After the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them open lengthwise. Don’t cut all the way through—you want them to act as little boats for all that chili goodness. Fluff the insides a bit with a fork, then spoon the chili generously over each potato. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and watch as it melts from the heat of the chili. Finally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if you like.

The Nutritional Benefits: Why Your Body Will Thank You

Here’s the scoop on what makes this dish as healthy as it is delicious.

Sweet Potatoes: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts into vitamin A in the body, supporting immune function, skin health, and vision. They’re also high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, the complex carbs in sweet potatoes provide steady energy—no sugar crashes here!

Chili: Packed with Protein and Fiber

By using lean meat and black beans, this chili becomes a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Black beans, in particular, are known for their heart-health benefits, helping to lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. They’re also packed with iron and potassium, essential minerals that support everything from muscle function to immune health. And if you’re looking to make the dish even lighter, using ground turkey instead of beef is a great option that won’t skimp on flavor.

Toppings: Adding Extra Nutrients

Even the toppings bring something to the table here. Greek yogurt, for example, is a healthier swap for sour cream, offering probiotics and extra protein. Green onions and cilantro add fresh vitamins, and that pop of green is not just pretty—it’s good for you!

Tips for the Perfect Chili Cheese Sweet Potatoes

Here are a few tricks to make sure this recipe turns out perfectly every time:

Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Pick ones that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate. Also, smaller to medium-sized potatoes cook more evenly and are easier to portion.
Make It Vegetarian: Want to skip the meat? No problem! Add extra beans or try a mix of beans and lentils. You could also add a grain like quinoa to make the chili hearty and filling without the meat.
Adjusting the Heat: Love spice? Go ahead and add more cayenne or some diced jalapeños. Not a fan? Just leave out the cayenne, and you’ll still have a tasty dish.
Meal Prep Tips: The chili can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to five days, making this a perfect meal-prep dish. You can even freeze the chili, so you have a quick dinner on hand whenever the craving hits.
Adding More Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the chili. This is a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet (or your kids’ meals) without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Let’s be real: this dish is basically comfort food heaven. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory, slightly spicy chili, while the melted cheddar and cool, creamy yogurt give every bite that rich, comforting feel. It’s filling, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit into almost any dietary preference, whether you’re going gluten-free, vegetarian, or just trying to eat a bit healthier.

This meal is also incredibly practical. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious but don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s great for gatherings, too—serve it up for a game day, and it’ll be the highlight of the spread.

Final Thoughts: Comfort in Every Bite

In a world where comfort food often feels like a guilty pleasure, Loaded Chili Cheese Sweet Potatoes let you indulge with zero guilt. They’re warm, hearty, and full of bold flavors, yet deliver a wealth of nutritional benefits. Whether you’re sharing with family, impressing friends at a gathering, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, from my kitchen to yours, I encourage you to give these chili cheese sweet potatoes a try. It’s a simple, wholesome way to combine the best of comfort and health, and your taste buds (and body) will thank you for it. Happy cooking!

Share the Flavor! 😊🍽️

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