Are sweet potatoes potatoes?

No, sweet potatoes are not actually potatoes. They are a different vegetable that belongs to the morning glory family, while regular potatoes are part of the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes have a sweeter, more moist flesh compared to the starchy texture of white or russet potatoes.

Are stuffed sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes, stuffed sweet potatoes can be very healthy! They are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. When filled with wholesome ingredients like lean proteins, beans, and vegetables like we use here, they make for a balanced and nutritious meal. Just be mindful of portion sizes and toppings to keep them healthy.

How do you cook a sweet potato or yam so it turns out soft?

The key is to cook them long enough so the insides become soft and creamy in texture. I like to bake them in the oven at 425°F for 45-60 minutes, until a fork can easily pierce through. If you’re in a rush, microwave them for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until very tender.

Black Bean & Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Description

Make your midweek dinner a fiesta with these easy black bean and ground beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! With just 30 minutes of active kitchen time, you can whip up a hearty, healthy, Tex-Mex taco-inspired meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

4-6 Sweet Potatoes
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
½ Cup Yellow Onion, diced
¼ Cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 Jalapeno, deseeded and diced
1 pound Lean Ground Beef
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin
½ teaspoon Oregano
1 can (15 ounces) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
½ Cup Frozen Corn
1 Cup Canned Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
⅔ Cup Water
1 Cup Shredded Cheese, optional for serving
Serve with green onions, avocado, sour cream or your favorite taco toppings

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425F. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and place them on a aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until they are soft when squeezed.
When there is about 20 minutes left in the baking time, add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add in the onion, bell pepper and jalapeno. Cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up into small pieces. Brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally. Drain any fat.
Add in the garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and water to the pan. Cook until the water has mostly evaporated.
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, cut them in half. Stuff each potato with the beef topping.
If you want to melt cheese over the top, cover with cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
Add your favorite toppings and serve.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/5 Recipe (No Toppings)
Calories: 655 Calories
Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 64g
Fiber: 11g
Protein: 36g