Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili are a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a savory chili filling. This recipe is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner and is easily customizable to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Chili Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained, optional)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice, optional)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick them several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.

Step 2: Make the Chili Filling

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

Step 3: Stuff the Sweet Potatoes

1. Slice and Scoop: Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly, then slice them open lengthwise and gently scoop out some of the flesh to create space for the chili filling.
2. Fill with Chili: Spoon the chili mixture into each sweet potato, packing it in generously. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Serve

1. Optional Broil: If adding cheese, return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	12g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	12g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Add Meat: For a heartier filling, add cooked ground turkey, beef, or chicken to the chili mixture.
• Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Different Beans: Substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili are a delicious and nutritious meal that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with a hearty chili filling. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences, making it a great option for any meal. Enjoy this delightful recipe!