Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that comes together with minimal effort, look no further than these Minute Slow Cooker Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe takes the concept of comfort food to a new level, combining the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a hearty, spicy chili that simmers away in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish offers a balance of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Sweet potatoes pack a nutritional punch—loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants—while the chili brings a fulfilling blend of protein and spices. The best part? You can customize the chili to your taste—add more beans, kick it up with extra spices, or throw in some veggies for a healthy boost. Whether you’re navigating a vegetarian diet or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these stuffed sweet potatoes will quickly become a favorite in your household.
What’s more, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to go about your day while the flavors meld together beautifully. Once your potatoes are cooked and the chili is ready, simply scoop the warm filling into the sweet potatoes and garnish as you like. Get ready to indulge in a meal that’s not only tasty but also easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this simple yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 lb ground turkey (or beef, if desired)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with liquid)
- 1 cup corn (either frozen or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
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- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Dry them off, then poke holes in each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
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- Start the Chili: In a slow cooker, combine the ground turkey (or beef), black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with liquid), corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything together until well blended.
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- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for around 4 hours or high for about 2 hours, until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the flavors come together harmoniously. Stir occasionally if possible!
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- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Approximately 30 minutes prior to the chili finishing, place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water (a few tablespoons), cover the dish with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
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- Assemble: Once the sweet potatoes and chili are prepared, carefully slit each sweet potato down the center. Gently press the ends inward to create an opening.
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- Stuff Them: Generously fill each sweet potato with the chili, allowing it to spill over slightly for that extra flavor.
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- Garnish and Serve: Finish with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your warm and hearty meal!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 4 hr 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, avocado, cilantro
Baking Process
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Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork; this will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent them from bursting.
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Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place the pierced sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a lined baking sheet for easier cleanup. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces through the flesh. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, so check for doneness regularly.
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Allow to Cool: Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period will make them easier to handle and will allow the insides to set slightly.
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Prep for Stuffing: After cooling, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides, creating enough space to hold your delicious chili filling. Be cautious not to break the skin, as this will hold everything together.
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Stuff the Sweet Potatoes: Generously spoon your slow-cooked chili into each halved sweet potato. You can use a fork or a spoon to mix it in slightly or leave it piled high for a rustic presentation.
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Optional Toppings: At this stage, feel free to add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, or avocado for an extra layer of flavor.
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Final Bake (Optional): If you’re using cheese or want to heat everything through, return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Minute Slow Cooker Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes hot, garnished with your favorite toppings!
This baking process ensures that your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready to embrace the rich flavors of your chili, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful meal featuring your Minute Slow Cooker Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, consider the following serving suggestions to enhance the experience:
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Toppings Galore: Elevate your chili stuffed sweet potatoes with an array of toppings such as shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
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Side Salads: Pair your stuffed potatoes with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the hearty chili well.
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Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. You can even crumble some tortilla chips on top of the stuffed potatoes for added texture.
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Avocado Bliss: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and richness. Consider serving a small side of guacamole as an additional dip.
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Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, offer a selection of hot sauces on the side to spice things up.
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Eat with Friends: Make this dish even more social by serving it as a build-your-own meal. Set up a toppings station where everyone can customize their own chili stuffed sweet potato.
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Beverage Pairing: Complement your meal with a chilled beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. A sparkling water with a splash of lime is also a refreshing option.
No matter how you choose to serve your Minute Slow Cooker Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends! Enjoy!
Conclusion
Minute Slow Cooker Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a game-changer for weeknight dinners! This dish combines the earthy sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a hearty, savory chili that is both satisfying and nourishing. The best part? You can set it and forget it with your slow cooker! Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal during chilly evenings or a nutritious option to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.
By using wholesome ingredients, you not only create a delicious meal, but you also serve up a dish packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, the versatility allows for endless variations—whether you want to spice it up with jalapeños, top it with avocado, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt, the possibilities are endless!
Give this recipe a try, and savor the combination of flavors and textures that will surely delight your taste buds. Perfect for both busy schedules and cozy gatherings, these stuffed sweet potatoes will quickly become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
