These Healthy Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans are the perfect low-effort meal that are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats and lots of veggies!
Everytime I make stuffed baked sweet potatoes, I’m reminded why I love them so much:
- They’re easy to make and can be super quick if you cook them in the microwave.
- They make a great side dish, or can be served as a healthy dinner recipe!
- You can totally customize what you put in them!
Now, what makes these stuffed sweet potatoes healthy, you ask? Well, as a Registered Dietitian, I can tell you that they have a beautiful balance of fiber and protein from the potato and Spiced Black Beans, healthy fats from the mashed avocado, and veggies from the sautéd peppers and onions.
They’re also freaking delicious. Which, when considering trying to eat healthy, making sure you actually like the food is pretty important so that you’re not rummaging around your snack cabinet 30 minutes after eating.
This recipe may look like a lot of steps, but all of the prep and cooking of toppings can be done while the sweet potatoes are cooking, meaning it actually comes together super easily.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier than White Potatoes?
You may want to sit down for this one… Because despite what everyone thinks, sweet potatoes and white or yellow potatoes are pretty much exactly the same, nutrition-wise.
The only real differences between the two lie in their fiber, beta-carotone and vitamin C content. Sweet potatoes have slightly more fiber (like, 1 gram more), beta carotene and vitamin C than white or yellow potatoes.
With all that being said, the amount is so marginal that I recommend using the kind that you love most for this recipe!
The biggest difference-maker when it comes to the nutrition content of a potato is eating the skin! Because of this, I always recommend washing the skin well and actually eating it, if you enjoy it!
Can I Microwave the Sweet Potato Rather Than Baking?
Totally! In fact, this is how I opt to cook sweet potato 99% of the time, because it’s so much faster.
To cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave, I pierce several times with a fork, place on a plate, and cook using the ‘Potato’ function for anywhere from 12-22 minutes, depending on how many potatoes you’re cooking.
How to Make This Stuffed Sweet Potato
- Preheat your oven to 450F. Meanwhile, wash the outside of the potatoes and poke them a few times with a fork. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the potatoes on them, evenly spaced.
- Bake the potatoes for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes, until fork tender.
- Meanwhile, make the 10-Minute Spiced Black Beans.
- Heat a small pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the diced bell pepper, red onion, and salt. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the bell peppers have softened.
- Mash avocado with lime and salt.
- Once the sweet potatoes have cooked through, slice lengthwise. Mash the sweet potato inside with the back of your fork.
- Now it’s time to assemble! Start by spooning about 1/2 cup of spiced black beans in the sweet potato, add some diced peppers and onions, and top with the mashed avocado. Feel free to add any other toppings, such as fresh lime, cilantro, salsa or hot sauce!
Ingredients
Baked Sweet Potato: Of course! We use sweet potato in this recipe, but you can totally sub out for white or yellow potatoes.
Spiced Black Beans: The protein and fiber-packed filling! These beans only take 10 minutes to make and are about to be your new go-to recipe.
Sauté Peppers and Onions: For additional veggies and volume!
Mashed Avocado with Lime: For healthy fats and flavor!
Other Filling Ideas for the Stuffed Baked Sweet Potato
- If you want this baked sweet potato for breakfast, my Best Ever Tofu Scramble only takes 20 minutes to make and would be a delicious, high protein filling!
- These Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas would be the perfect crunchy addition
- My Smoky Maple Beans would be the most delicious savory-and-slightly-sweet filling
- Call me crazy, but I think adding some sliced banana, nut butter and cinnamon would also be absolutely drool-worthy
How Do I Store Leftovers?
I recommend refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days! Personally, I’d refrigerate all of the components separately in case you want to use them in other recipes throughout the week, but that’s up to you!
More Sweet Potato Recipes
30-Minute Sweet Potato and Kale Soup with Lentils
Creamy Vegan Coconut Lentil Soup
Warm Winter Vegan Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Lemon, Rosemary and White Bean Soup
Connect with Lauren
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and a review in the comments below. You can also find 60 other delicious, easy plant-based recipes in my cookbook, The Simple Vegan Kitchen!
Also, be sure to take a photo and tag me at @tastingtothrive_rd so I can re-share on my stories! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe or nutrition post.
Healthy Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Large pan
- Small Pan
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized sweet potatoes
- 1 batch Spiced Black Beans
Sautéd Pepper and Onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1/8 tsp salt
Mashed Avocado
- 1 medium, ripened avocado
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
Bake the sweet potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 450F. Meanwhile, wash the outside of the potatoes and poke them a few times with a fork. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the potatoes on them, evenly spaced. Bake the potatoes for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes, until fork tender.
Make the Spiced Black Beans
- Meanwhile, make the 10-Minute Spiced Black Beans.
Make the Sautéed Peppers and Onion
- Heat a small pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the diced bell pepper, red onion, and salt. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the bell peppers have softened.
Make the Mashed Avocado
- Mash the avocado with lime and salt.
Assemble
- Once the sweet potatoes have cooked through, slice lengthwise. Mash the sweet potato inside with the back of your fork.
- Now it's time to assemble! Start by spooning about 1/2 cup of spiced black beans in the sweet potato, add some diced peppers and onions, and top with the mashed avocado.
- Feel free to add any other toppings, such as fresh lime, cilantro, salsa or hot sauce!
Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a review, take a photo and tag me on Instagram at @tastingtothrive_rd so I can see!
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