Save A comforting, nutritious weeknight dinner featuring sweet potatoes baked until tender and loaded with a vibrant mix of toppings for a hearty, hands-off meal.
I first made these loaded baked sweet potatoes when craving something hearty but simple, and they quickly became a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, scrubbed
- Black beans: 1 cup, canned, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): 1/2 cup (use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/4 cup (use dairy-free alternative if desired)
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prep oven and potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake sweet potatoes:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prep toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, combine the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble potatoes:
- When the potatoes are done, let cool slightly. Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Add toppings:
- Top each potato with black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with additional toppings as desired.
Save We love making these loaded potatoes on cold evenings, gathered around the kitchen island, each person adding their favorite toppings for a personalized healthy dinner.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, and knife are all you need to put together this satisfying meal.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy if cheese or yogurt is included. Always read labels to ensure ingredients fit dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories, 11 g fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein, making it a balanced and filling meal.
Save Loaded baked sweet potatoes make any weeknight feel special. Feel free to adjust the toppings for your favorite flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should sweet potatoes be baked for tenderness?
Bake the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and dairy-free yogurt or omit the dairy toppings entirely for a vegan option.
- → What spices enhance the black bean filling?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper add warmth and depth to the black bean mixture.
- → Are there suggestions for added protein?
Grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken can be added to boost protein content and complement the flavors.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?
Add jalapeño slices or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the toppings for extra heat.
- → What tools are recommended for preparing this dish?
A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a small saucepan for warming beans, along with a fork and knife for serving, are ideal.