Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? Introducing Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes—a mouthwatering fusion of savory ground pork, aromatic spices, and creamy cheddar cheese, all nestled in tender, sweet potato halves. This easy-to-follow recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but also impress your family and friends. In just 50 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss out on this delightful culinary adventure—read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your sweet potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape while they bake, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the pork mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the barbecue sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the pork to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Using a fork, gently fluff the insides of the sweet potatoes to create more space for the filling. Be careful not to break the skin.
- Evenly distribute the pork mixture into the sweet potato halves, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed sweet potato. If desired, you can return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven, let them cool for a couple of minutes, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. They should have a smooth skin for the best texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or chili flakes to give your pork mixture an extra kick.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked by checking for tenderness with a fork. Undercooked potatoes can ruin the dish.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: For a richer flavor, try using different types of cheese such as pepper jack or gouda in place of cheddar.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These stuffed sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the filling and sweet potatoes, then store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Garnish for Greatness: Top your finished dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
