Save A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender baked sweet potatoes filled with zesty, flavorful chili. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal or casual entertaining.
I first tried stuffing sweet potatoes with chili on a chilly night and was amazed at how satisfying and cozy the combination was. This quickly became a go-to comfort meal for my family.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bell pepper: 1, diced (any color)
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 pound (or 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans for vegetarian)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz)
- Kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper (optional): ¼ teaspoon, for heat
- Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prep Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Make Chili Base:
- While sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Protein & Beans:
- Add ground beef (or beans for vegetarian), breaking up meat and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Filling:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- When potatoes are tender, let cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise, gently push open, and fluff flesh with a fork.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Spoon a generous amount of chili into each potato. Top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro as desired. Serve hot.
Save 
Save This dish is a favorite for our game nights and family gatherings. Everyone loves customizing their own potato with various toppings.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, and a spoon or fork are all you need to make this meal.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy only if using cheese or sour cream. Gluten-free as written. Check canned beans and tomatoes for any additives if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with beef, without cheese/sour cream): 410 calories, 11 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save 
Save Enjoy these chili-stuffed sweet potatoes piping hot for cozy evenings. They make great leftovers, too!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you know when sweet potatoes are fully baked?
They should be tender when pierced with a knife or fork and easily pierced all the way through. The skin may wrinkle slightly and potatoes will feel soft to the touch.
- → Can I prepare the chili filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chili can be made a day in advance and reheated to allow flavors to deepen before stuffing the potatoes.
- → What are good protein alternatives for a vegetarian version?
Use black beans or kidney beans instead of meat to keep it hearty and nutritious, maintaining the dish’s satisfying texture.
- → Can sweet potatoes be cooked faster than baking?
Microwaving sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes is a quicker option, though baking develops sweeter and more caramelized flavors.
- → What toppings complement the chili-stuffed sweet potatoes?
Shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro add creaminess and fresh flavor contrasts.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, using gluten-free canned goods and toppings ensures the meal remains gluten-free as prepared.