Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for a dish that combines flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation and want to switch up your Taco Tuesday, look no further than my Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. It's a great gluten free, more nutritious option than your classic tacos in a tortilla. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
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Why Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are not only naturally sweet and satisfying, but they also offer a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. By using sweet potatoes as the base for your tacos, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal that keeps you full and nourished.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs. organic grass fed ground beef
- 1/2 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (finely diced, seeds removed according to heat level you desire)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 14.5 oz canned fire roasted diced tomatoes (organic, not drained)
- 15 oz black beans (organic, drained)
- Taco toppings: guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, etc.
- Baked sweet potatoes, for serving - Instructions on how I bake mine are below)
Why Get Grass-Fed Beef?
I can’t stress it enough on how important it is to get organic, grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef offers a range of benefits that extend from nutritional improvements to environmental and ethical advantages. While it might come at a higher price point compared to conventional beef, many find the enhanced flavor, healthier fat profile, and positive impact on the environment well worth the investment. Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or simply looking for a more sustainable food choice, grass-fed beef is the way to go. Get high quality grass-fed, organic meat from ButcherBox here. My link throws in free meat with every purchase!
Enhanced Nutritional Profile
- Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef typically has a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised beef. Omega-3s are essential for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Better Fatty Acid Ratio: Grass-fed beef generally has a more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This balance is crucial because a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with various health issues.
- Increased Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef is richer in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
- Higher Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a type of fat found in higher amounts in grass-fed beef. It has been linked to various health benefits, including improved body composition and enhanced immune function.
- Lower Total Fat Content: Grass-fed beef usually contains less total fat compared to grain-fed beef, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their fat intake.
Better Flavor and Texture
- Rich, Distinctive Flavor: Many people find that grass-fed beef has a more robust and distinctive flavor compared to conventionally raised beef. This is often attributed to the animal’s diet and natural grazing.
- Lean Texture: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can provide a firmer texture, which some people prefer.
Environmental Benefits
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Grass-fed beef is often produced using more sustainable farming practices. Grazing cattle can help maintain healthy grasslands and contribute to soil health.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Well-managed grass-fed beef systems can have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional beef production, as they often require fewer inputs and can sequester carbon in the soil.
Ethical Considerations
- Natural Diet: Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that are raised on a diet more natural to their evolutionary development. This can contribute to improved animal welfare compared to grain-fed systems.
- Reduced Use of Antibiotics and Hormones: Grass-fed beef producers often use fewer antibiotics and hormones, which can be beneficial for both the environment and consumer health.
Health Benefits
Support for Weight Management: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can be part of a diet aimed at maintaining a healthy weight or reducing body fat.
Better for Heart Health: The higher omega-3 content and better fat profile in grass-fed beef can support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});How To Make It
- Bake your sweet potatoes at 450° degrees for 45-50 minutes on the middle rack, or until soft and tender in the center (detailed sweet potato baking instructions below). While those are baking make your taco filling:
- Make your taco filling: Heat up 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, and jalapeño and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef. Once almost completely browned, add the taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the tomatoes (undrained) & beans (drained). Continue cooking until most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 5 minutes).
- Stuff! Once the potatoes are done, slice them in half length-wise and fluff the insides with a fork. Then spoon the beef taco filling into each potato. (Alternatively, you can slice each potato in half and serve them as halves instead.)
- Serve. Serve with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
What Dietary Needs Fit This Dish?
This recipe is gluten free, nut free, soy free, dairy free, and grain free.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});How Do You Bake Your Sweet Potatoes?
Preheat your oven to 450° degrees and line a baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt and pat them dry with a paper towel. Poke a few holes all over and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Rub the potatoes with olive oil & bake for 45-50 minutes on the middle rack, or until soft and tender in the center.
Customization Options
These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to make them your own:
- Protein Options: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. Or if you are vegetarian, try lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicier kick, add another jalapeño, or add a dash of hot sauce in the filling.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition.
How To Store Leftovers
You can store your leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sweet potatoes separate from the filling though and heat up the sweet potato separately.
Check Me Out on Social Media
I post all my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
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Next time Taco Tuesday rolls around, surprise your family with these healthy taco stuffed sweet potatoes. They are not only gluten-free and packed with flavor, but they also offer a wholesome alternative to traditional tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this dish will keep everyone coming back for more.
If you’re looking for a dish that combines flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation and want to switch up your Taco Tuesday, look no further than my Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. It's a great gluten free, more nutritious option than your classic tacos in a tortilla. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (organic, extra virgin)
- 2 lbs. ground beef (organic, grass fed)
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced, large)
- 1 jalapeno (finely diced, seeds removed)
- 2 tsp garlic (organic, minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 2 oz taco seasoning (I like the brand Siete. Very clean ingredients!)
- 15 oz black beans (organic, rinsed & drained)
- 14.5 oz fire roasted tomatoes (organic, undrained)
- sweet potatoes (as many as you want)
- taco toppings (guacamole, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, etc.)
Preheat your oven to 450° degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt and pat them dry with a paper towel. Poke a few holes all over and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil & bake for 45-50 minutes on the middle rack, or until soft and tender in the center. While those are baking make your taco filling:
Heat up 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, and jalapeño and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef. Once almost completely browned, add the taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Add the tomatoes (undrained) & beans (drained). Continue cooking until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are done, slice them in half length-wise and fluff the insides with a fork. Then spoon the beef taco filling into each potato. (Alternatively, you can slice each potato in half and serve them as halves instead.)
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 331kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18.9g30%
- Saturated Fat 7.3g37%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 308.6mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 14.6g5%
- Dietary Fiber 4.9g20%
- Sugars 2.1g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.