Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

sloppy joe stuffed sweet potato

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, stuffed sweet potatoes recipe, healthy Sloppy Joe recipe, gluten-free stuffed sweet potatoes, ground beef sweet potato recipe, plant-based Sloppy Joe, sweet potato dinner ideas, easy Sloppy Joe filling, roasted sweet potatoes with meat, comfort food sweet potatoes, sweet and savory stuffed potatoes, Sloppy Joe healthy twist, sweet potato meal prep, baked sweet potatoes with ground beef, low-carb stuffed sweet potatoes.
dinner
American
Yield: 4
Author: Erika Barnett
Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 10 M
These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory. Roasted sweet potatoes serve as a nutritious base for a rich, tangy Sloppy Joe filling made with ground beef (or turkey/plant-based meat), sautéed veggies, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Topped with fresh herbs and spicy pickles, it's comfort food with a healthy twist!
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
Sloppy Joe
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, rub them lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the skin is crisp.
  4. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. 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.
  6. In the same pan cook the ground beef (or substitute) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
  7. 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.
  8. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
Previous
Previous

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Galette

Next
Next

Cinnamon Apple Galette