Pin A comforting, nutritious weeknight dinner featuring sweet potatoes baked until tender and loaded with a vibrant mix of toppings for a hearty, hands-off meal.
I remember how excited my family was when I first made loaded sweet potatoes for a busy weeknight. They loved building their own with all the colorful toppings.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, scrubbed
- Black beans: 1 cup canned, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (or vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup (use dairy-free alternative if desired)
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Warm black beans:
- Combine black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice and fluff:
- Let sweet potatoes cool slightly. Slice open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Top and serve:
- Top potatoes with black beans, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Serve hot, adding extra toppings if desired.
Pin This recipe quickly became a staple in our family, and everyone enjoys choosing their favorite toppings together at the table.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese and sour cream or yogurt. Use dairy-free alternatives if needed and always check labels to avoid hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 375, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 10 g.
Pin This meal is sure to please everyone with its bright flavors and fun presentation. Enjoy creating your own loaded sweet potato masterpiece tonight.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are done baking?
They are done when a fork pierces easily through the flesh and the potatoes feel soft inside, usually after 45–50 minutes at 400°F.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and warm the fillings just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What toppings complement the sweet potatoes best?
Black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, green onions, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt work well together for balanced flavors.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit dairy cheese and sour cream or opt for plant-based alternatives without changing the core flavors.
- → Are there ways to add more protein to this meal?
Yes, adding grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken provides extra protein, or include beans and other legumes for vegetarian options.