Cheesy Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in these delicious cheesy chili-stuffed sweet potatoes, a perfect combination of flavors and nutrients. Inspired by a delightful evening when a craving for chili met the goodness of baked sweet potatoes, this recipe transforms leftover chili into a satisfying meal. The natural sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes balances the savory chili, topped with melty cheddar cheese for an irresistible finish. Not only are they a hearty dinner option, but they also reheat beautifully, making them an excellent choice for work lunches or quick weeknight meals. Enjoy this comforting recipe packed with wholesome ingredients!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes or Yams
2 (about 8 ounces each)
Chili Beans
1/2-3/4 cup (heated)
Cheddar Cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Wash the sweet potatoes or yams thoroughly and poke holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are tender to the touch.
4
While the sweet potatoes are baking, warm the chili beans in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
5
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice each potato down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through, and gently push the ends inward to form a 'boat' shape.
6
Spoon approximately a quarter cup of warm chili beans into each sweet potato, ensuring they are filled but not overflowing.
7
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top of the chili-stuffed potatoes.
8
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
9
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cheesy chili-stuffed sweet potatoes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes?
They are baked sweet potatoes or yams filled with warm chili beans and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a savory and sweet flavor combination.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the sweet potatoes.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to bake?
The sweet potatoes should bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are tender to the touch.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, the recipe works perfectly with either sweet potatoes or yams.
How do I prepare the potatoes before putting them in the oven?
Wash them thoroughly and poke holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Do I need a baking sheet for the potatoes?
You can place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
How do I warm the chili beans?
Warm the chili beans in a small saucepan over medium heat while the sweet potatoes are baking.
How do I form the 'boat' shape for stuffing?
Carefully slice each potato down the center without cutting all the way through, then gently push the ends inward.
How much chili should I put in each potato?
Spoon approximately a quarter cup of warm chili beans into each sweet potato.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese.
How long do the potatoes stay in the oven after being stuffed?
Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these stuffed sweet potatoes reheat beautifully, making them excellent for work lunches or quick weeknight meals.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and beans.
What size should the sweet potatoes be?
The recipe suggests using sweet potatoes or yams that are about 8 ounces each.
How many ingredients are required?
There are only 3 main ingredients: sweet potatoes, chili beans, and cheddar cheese.
Can I use leftover chili for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to transform leftover chili into a satisfying new meal.
What does this dish taste like?
The natural sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes perfectly balances the savory, spiced flavors of the chili.
How do I know the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are done when they feel tender when poked or squeezed (carefully).
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, you should wash them but keep the skins on to help them hold their shape as a 'boat'.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy meal packed with nutrients and wholesome ingredients.
Can I make this recipe for more than 2 people?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more servings.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Yam/Sweet Potato dishes.
Can I add other toppings?
While the recipe focuses on cheese and chili, you can certainly add toppings like sour cream or green onions if desired.
Why do I need to poke holes in the potatoes?
Poking holes with a fork allows steam to escape, preventing the potato from bursting in the oven.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and requires very little active preparation time.
Should the chili be cold when added to the potato?
The recipe recommends heating the chili beans until they are warm before spooning them into the potatoes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, though the recipe calls for cheddar, you could substitute with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack.
What makes this a comfort food?
The combination of warm, soft sweet potatoes, hearty beans, and melty cheese creates a very satisfying and comforting meal.
Should I serve this dish hot?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the cheesy chili-stuffed sweet potatoes hot while the cheese is still melted.