Looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family? Dive into the delicious world of Vegetarian Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! This vibrant dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a zesty chili filling that's packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option for the week, these stuffed sweet potatoes are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make. Get ready to elevate your dinner game and discover why this recipe is a must-try for any veggie lover!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your sweet potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
- While the oven is preheating, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents them from bursting in the oven.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the chili filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is softened.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes until they are manageable to handle.
- Carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides of the sweet potatoes, creating a little space for the chili filling.
- Using a spoon, generously fill each sweet potato half with the prepared vegetarian chili mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes for added flavor. You can also return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Once the cheese is melted (if using), remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the Vegetarian Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes warm, garnished with any additional toppings you like, such as avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for large, firm sweet potatoes to ensure they hold their shape when baked and provide ample space for the chili filling.
- Don’t Skip the Fork Pricking: Pricking the sweet potatoes with a fork before baking is crucial. It allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting in the oven.
- Customize Your Chili: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to the chili mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust the spices according to your heat preference.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before stuffing the sweet potatoes for a quicker meal.
- Add Toppings: Elevate your dish with toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of lime juice can also brighten up the flavors!
- Experiment with Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, try different types like feta, pepper jack, or vegan cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg