Easy and so delicious, loaded sweet potato and ground beef makes the perfect healthy dish. The seasoned ground beef and rich sweet potato is smothered in cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again!
I love simple, healthy meals (especially when they’re kid-friendly), and I’ve been making loaded sweet potato and ground beef on repeat for the last few months. With the seasoned ground beef and loads of cheese, I’ve told my husband it’s my healthy version of nachos!
This recipe comes together so quickly, is packed with nutrition, and is the perfect satisfying comfort food. I love making it in advance for simple lunches or quick weeknight dinners that everyone will enjoy, including my toddler!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Simple ingredients – This recipe only uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Healthy meal – It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that will leave you full and satisfied.
Delicious flavor – The rich sweet potato pairs perfectly with seasoned ground beef, and the melted cheese on top just takes it to a whole new level!
Easy recipe – Cooking from scratch doesn’t get any easier than this!
How to Store Leftovers
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat in the oven.
Prep in Advance
You can prepare this recipe up to 3 days in advance. To do so, roast the sweet potatoes and cook the ground beef. Let them cool completely before storing separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve them, put the sweet potatoes and ground beef together, top with shredded cheese, and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
How to Freeze
You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked ground beef separately in airtight containers for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, let thaw in the fridge overnight.
Then put the sweet potatoes and ground beef together, top with shredded cheese, and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Tips for Success
Roast the sweet potatoes until they’re soft all the way through – You want to be able to easily mash them with a fork.
Adjust the spices to your preference – If you don’t like spicy foods, feel free to leave out the cayenne pepper. But if you love all of the delicious, rich flavors, feel free to increase the amount of spices to your taste.
More cheese is always better – I’m always a fan of extra cheese, so if you want to make this even better, pile on all the cheese you want!
FAQs
Yes, the slightly sweet flavor of sweet potatoes perfectly balance the savory taste of ground beef for a flavor combination you’ll love!
Yes, you can substitute white potatoes for the sweet potatoes, however, the flavor won’t be as rich.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Loaded sweet potato and ground beef makes the perfect healthy meal when paired with a simple side like fresh salad!
Tools You May Need
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Ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, we’ll roast the sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, and place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
Poke a few holes in each of them with a fork, and bake for 70-90 minutes until they’re soft all the way through. The time this takes will vary significantly depending on the size of your potatoes.
Step 2: While the sweet potatoes are baking, brown the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, spices, and salt in a skillet.
Step 3: When the sweet potatoes are done, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Then make a deep lengthwise cut into each of the potatoes. Place a tablespoon of coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt to taste in each one and mash with a fork, keeping the skin intact.
Step 4: While the potatoes are still on the baking sheet, divide the ground beef between them (depending on the size of your potatoes, it may overflow). Then sprinkle the cheese on top.
Place the potatoes back in the oven for 10 minutes for the cheese to melt and the beef to get hot again if it has cooled. Enjoy immediately!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
More Easy Clean Eating Meals
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Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Sweet Potato and Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt + more to taste sprinkled on sweet potatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, and poke a few holes in each of them with a fork.
- Bake for 70-90 minutes until they're soft all the way through.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, brown the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, spices, and salt in a skillet.
- When the sweet potatoes are done, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
- Make a deep lengthwise cut into each of the potatoes. Place a tablespoon of coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt to taste in each one and mash with a fork, keeping the skin intact.
- Divide the ground beef between the potatoes and sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Place the potatoes back in the oven for 10 minutes for the cheese to melt and the beef to get hot again if it has cooled.
- Serve immediently with your favorite sides.
Notes
Substitutions
- Can substitute ground turkey for ground beef
- Can substitute butter for coconut oil
- Can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for garlic cloves
Nutrition
If you love loaded sweet potatoes and ground beef, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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This recipe is a favorite around here! If you have any questions about making it, let me know in the comments, and I’ll reply to you as soon as I can.
Love this for a delicious dinner option!