Santa Fe Inspired Sweet Potatoes

Since we’re all trying to keep our food budget in check while simultaneously feeding our family TASTY, satisfying, and super nutritious meals – when sweet potatoes go on SALE I buy a BUNCH and create a meal out of em’.

These Santa Fe Inspired Sweet Potatoes definitely checked all those boxes! Pretty easy to throw together and everyone at my house enjoyed them. These types of meals where everyone can choose their own toppings go over VERY well at my house full of teenagers!

Sweet Potatoes and Yams are something we eat A LOT of at our house!

It’s funny because about 10 years ago I didn’t care for them AT ALL.

Throughout my 30s I began passionately learning about health & nutrition while working with a phenomenal fitness trainer. Sweet potatoes were becoming THE complex carbohydrate of choice! They were *always* on my meal plans – so that’s when I got creative and started roasting them, eating them frequently, and actually TRULY ENJOYING them.

Not a week goes by these days that I don’t buy and cook sweet potatoes or yams…they have become an absolute staple in our home.

This recipe is awesome if you’re trying to include sweet potatoes more often, but just need a tasty recipe – along with a little friendly nudge to try something different!

Complex Carbohydrates from the Sweet Potatoes are my favorite carbohydrates to eat because they leave me feeling really good and full of energy rather than the opposite feelings of bloat and tiredness many simple carbs seem to deliver.

Sweet potatoes are considered a “superfood” because of all the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Just as an example, 1 sweet potato contains almost 400% of your daily vitamin A requirements! They also contain vitamins B, C, and D as well as a wide range of minerals.

They can help boost your immune system, protect your vision and reproductive health, and even help lower your risk of cancer.

Plus, they appear to help improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels … and might even help keep fat cells from growing.

They are also delicious mashed or roasted like these pizza bites. Use them in soups, stews, chilis, or in any way you would use other potatoes.

REFERENCE:

• WebMD
• Healthline

4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and pat dry
• 2 Tbsps avocado oil or olive oil, divided
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 fresh garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
• 1 x 8oz jar salsa

Optional topping ideas:

• plain Greek yogurt
• cherry tomatoes, chopped
• avocado, diced
• green onions, sliced
• sliced fresh jalapeno
• freshly grated Colby Jack cheese

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f. and line a medium sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Place your sweet potatoes on the prepared sheet pan, lightly rub each of them using 1 Tablespoon oil total, then poke them a few times with a fork.

Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until fork-tender. Carefully remove from the oven and allow them to cool just until safe to handle.

Meanwhile, preheat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion for 3 minutes, then add in the garlic and saute for another minute or so.

Add in the ground meat and cook, mincing the meat with your spatula as it browns.

Once the meat is brown and cooked through, stir in the salsa and remove from heat.

Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise to create a pocket. Season the inside flesh with sea salt and pepper then gently fluff with a fork, while still keeping the roasted skin intact.

Spoon in the meat mixture as desired, then top with a dollop of yogurt, cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno, and green onions.

If desired sprinkle the top with a bit of freshly grated cheese then place your stuffed potatoes back into the oven just until nice and melty.

Enjoy!

Rachel

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