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A close-up showcases colorful and delicious Sweet Potato Boats, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Lady Maria

Amazing Sweet Potato Boats Dinner

These sweet potato boats are a customizable and healthy dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights. They offer a delicious base for endless flavor combinations, making them a fun and nutritious meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium to large sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Sour cream, for topping
  • Salsa, for topping
  • Guacamole, for topping
  • Cilantro, for topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • Fork
  • large skillet
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork.
  3. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Let them cool slightly before handling.
  5. While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  6. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, black beans, and corn.
  7. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too dry.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch border.
  10. Mash the scooped-out flesh with a fork and mix it back into the ground beef filling. This adds extra flavor and creaminess.
  11. Spoon the ground beef filling into the sweet potato boats. Top with shredded cheese.
  12. Return the filled sweet potato boats to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Remove the sweet potato boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.
  14. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For ingredient swaps, consider using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for the ground beef. Pinto or kidney beans can be used instead of black beans. Different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the filling. Substitute taco seasoning with your favorite spice blend. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or omit the cheese. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth. Don’t overbake the sweet potatoes, check for doneness by piercing with a fork. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed, lime juice can brighten the flavors.