Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted sweet potato, its creamy sweetness balanced by a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet Sloppy Joe filling. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven! My Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes take two classic dishes—Sloppy Joes and baked sweet potatoes—and bring them together for a cozy, flavorful twist that's just as nutritious as it is satisfying.
Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients! These vibrant orange beauties are loaded with vitamins A and C, plus fiber, which makes them a great base for hearty meals. They're naturally sweet, so when paired with the bold, savory flavors of a homemade Sloppy Joe filling, you get an irresistible balance of tastes. Plus, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making this dish perfect for a variety of dietary preferences.
We all love the messiness of a good Sloppy Joe—it’s in the name after all! But instead of serving it on a bun, we’re spooning this rich and flavorful sauce over roasted sweet potatoes. The filling itself is a perfect blend of classic ingredients: ground beef (or turkey, or even plant-based meat if you’re going veggie), sautéed onions and bell peppers, and that signature tangy-sweet tomato sauce.
What gives this filling its smokey, sweet, and savory taste?
Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret to that umami depth. It adds a rich, savory kick that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and adds brightness to the dish.
Smoked Paprika: A smoky flavor note that takes this Sloppy Joe filling to the next level. It’s subtle but makes a huge difference.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For that signature sweet note, balancing out the acidity and spice.
These ingredients simmer together to create a thick, tangy, and smoky sauce that’s perfect for piling onto the roasted sweet potatoes.
This recipe is super flexible. You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences. If you're looking to lighten it up, ground turkey adds a slightly leaner taste but keeps all the flavor. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tempeh or lentils—they soak up the sauce beautifully and deliver that hearty texture we love.
For a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or serve with spicy pickles, which add a crunchy contrast to the smooth texture of the sweet potatoes. And don’t forget the fresh herbs! A sprinkle of cilantro or parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving.
These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve them with a side of crunchy slaw or a simple green salad to keep things fresh and balanced. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt would make an excellent topping!
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based meat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
- spicy pickles, for serving
- fresh cilantro or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, rub them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the skin is crisp.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions and bell pepper for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic a cook for another minute. Transfer the vegtables to a dish and set aside.
- In the same pan cook the ground beef (or substitute) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the vegtables back to the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the sweet potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly, then cut a slit down the center of each one and gently fluff the insides with a fork to create space for the filling.
- Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture into each baked sweet potato. Top with spicy pickles and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.