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Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

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These Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes take all the saucy, messy goodness of a classic sloppy joe and swap out the bun for a roasted sweet potato. The result? A rich, slightly sweet, and totally satisfying meal. Top it off with melty cheddar and a dollop of sour cream for a comfort food favorite with a fun twist!

Looking for more dinner ideas? Try this beef burrito bowl next.

A fork holds a tempting bite of loaded baked sweet potato topped with ground beef, melted cheese, and luscious sour cream—like a twist on classic Sloppy Joes.

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic favorite, but this version brings a healthier, flavor-packed twist! Instead of a bun, tender roasted sweet potatoes make the perfect base for the saucy, savory beef filling.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but just as great for meal prep or sharing with friends.

With simple ingredients and bold flavors, these Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes might just become a new go-to!

Have more ground beef to use? Try these sheet pan beef enchilada nachos next.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Nutritious & Hearty – Sweet potatoes bring fiber, vitamins, and just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Easy to Make – Simple steps, minimal effort, and a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Customizable – Switch up the seasonings, swap the meat, or load it up with your favorite toppings!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these Sloppy Joes Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients on a white surface include sweet potatoes, cheddar cheese, seasonings, ground beef for Sloppy Joes, green onions, ketchup, mustard, sour cream, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Sweet potatoes – Medium-sized ones cook evenly and have the best texture. Pierce them with a fork before baking for even roasting.

Olive oil – Lightly coat the sweet potatoes to help them roast evenly. Swap: Avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

Ground beef – I use 93% lean. Swap: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Mild cheddar cheese – Feel free to use your favorite cheese.

Sour creamSwap Greek yogurt for extra protein and less fat.

How to Make Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes: Step by Step

Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

Baking sheet lined with a sheet of parchment paper, ready for roasting sweet potato or making deliciously messy Sloppy Joes.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Four whole sweet potatoes sit on parchment paper on a baking sheet, ready to become a delicious twist on classic Sloppy Joes.

Step 2: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then poke them all over with a fork. Rub them with oil and place them on the baking sheet.

Four whole sweet potatoes rest on a parchment-lined baking tray, ready to be transformed.

Step 3: Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a knife slides in easily.

Raw ground beef in a stainless steel frying pan on a white background, ready to be transformed into delightful Sloppy Joes.

Step 4: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (7-10 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Ground beef cooking in a skillet with a red sauce, reminiscent of classic Sloppy Joes, viewed from above on a white background.

Step 5: Stir in the ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Add ¼ cup of water to thin the sauce if needed.

Ground beef sizzles in a stainless steel skillet on a white background, ready to be transformed into delicious Sloppy Joes.

Step 6: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Four baked sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, their tops split open to reveal tender insides. This versatile base is perfect for your sweet potato recipe collection or even as a twist on classic Sloppy Joes.

Step 7: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and cut them down the middle, leaving the base intact. Fluff the insides with a fork.

Four baked sweet potatoes infused with the essence of Sloppy Joes, topped generously with ground meat and melted shredded cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Spoon in the sloppy joe mixture, then top with shredded cheddar.

Four baked sweet potatoes loaded with ground meat and melted cheese, reminiscent of Sloppy Joes, all perfectly arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Four baked sweet potatoes topped with a delicious Sloppy Joe mixture, melted cheese, and fresh green onions, all arranged perfectly on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 10: Garnish with green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Serve and enjoy

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dice up bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to sneak in extra nutrients and bulk up the filling without extra calories.

Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor.

If the filling is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a small amount of tomato paste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, though the flavor will be less sweet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes and make the sloppy joe filling in advance. Store them separately, then reheat and assemble before serving.

What’s the best way to store sloppy joe stuffed sweet potato leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Four sweet potatoes, baked to perfection, are topped with spicy chili, gooey shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnished with vibrant green onions, this dish offers a delightful twist reminiscent of Sloppy Joes.

I hope you love these Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!

More Dinner Recipes

Baked sweet potatoes topped with savory Sloppy Joes, melted cheese, and chopped green onions on parchment paper.

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

These Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes take the messy, saucy goodness of a classic sloppy joe and pair it with the rich, slightly sweet flavor of roasted sweet potatoes. Piled high with melty cheddar and a spoonful of sour cream, this meal is pure comfort with a fun, flavorful twist!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 508kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese – shredded
  • Green onions
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Poke them on all sides with a fork. Rub with oil and place on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until cooked through. Check by inserting a knife to see if they are tender.
  • Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and break it apart. Cook until browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the grease.
  • Stir in the ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Add ¼ cup of water to thin the sauce slightly, if needed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.
  • Remove the potatoes from the oven and cut them down the middle about ¾ of the way through. Mash the inside slightly with a fork.
  • Spoon in the sloppy joe filling until full, then sprinkle with cheese.
  • Place the potatoes back in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with green onion and dollop with sour cream. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Try to select sweet potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sloppy joe mixture for more depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1710mg | Potassium: 1081mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 24g

The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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