Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Ancho Beef Chili Sweet Potato Skins are not just a recipe; they're a flavor explosion that combines the rich, smoky depth of Mexican-inspired spices with the creamy, sweet goodness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Imagine crispy potato skins packed with juicy, spice-infused ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a fresh cilantro finish that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Ground beef
- Ancho chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic
- Onion
- Black beans
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork multiple times. Rub the skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into crumbles using a wooden spoon.
- Dice onions and mince garlic. Add to the beef and cook until meat is browned and onions are translucent, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in ancho chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook spices with meat for an additional 2 minutes to bloom their flavors.
- Add black beans to the meat mixture and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once sweet potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the interior, leaving a 1/4-inch thickness of potato.
- Fill each potato skin with the spiced beef and black bean mixture. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return stuffed potato skins to the oven and bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Tips
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best texture and ease of stuffing.
- Don't skip rubbing the potatoes with olive oil - it helps create a crispy skin and enhances flavor.
- For maximum flavor, toast your spices briefly before adding to the meat to release their essential oils.
- Use a sharp spoon when scooping out potato interiors to maintain a sturdy skin for filling.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning and make handling easier.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or serve with hot sauce on the side.
- Fresh cilantro and high-quality sour cream can elevate the dish from good to restaurant-worthy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 48mg
