Description
Delicious and nutritious stuffed sweet potatoes filled with a flavorful mix of black beans, corn, and spices, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. This easy baked recipe is perfect for a wholesome vegetarian main course with Southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, salsa, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each one multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Cook the Filling. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, black beans, corn kernels, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Stuff the Sweet Potatoes. When the sweet potatoes are done, allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently mash the inside flesh with a fork to create a cavity for the filling. Spoon the prepared bean and corn mixture into each sweet potato evenly.
- Add Cheese and Melt. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese over the stuffed potatoes. Return them to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Add any optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, salsa, or lime wedges before serving for extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding cooked quinoa, leftover chicken, or sautéed vegetables to boost nutrition and variety.
- For a vegan option, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based dairy-free alternative.
- These stuffed sweet potatoes reheat well, making them perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
