Description
A hearty and delicious recipe featuring baked sweet potatoes topped with a savory Sloppy Joe-style ground beef mixture packed with vegetables and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium (7 oz each) sweet potatoes, washed and dried
Sloppy Joe Meat Mixture
- 1/2 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Montreal Steak)
- 1/3 cup chopped carrot
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup chopped mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 chopped scallion, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Poke holes all over the sweet potatoes using a fork. Then cook them using your preferred method: microwave for 7 to 10 minutes, slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours, or bake in the oven at 425°F for about 45 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and seasoned salt, cooking while breaking the meat into small pieces until browned. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and red bell peppers. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water to the skillet, stirring to combine fully. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the carrots are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Cut the cooked sweet potatoes open and sprinkle the inside with a pinch of salt. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the meat mixture over each sweet potato and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can cook the sweet potatoes ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- This recipe reheats well and is great for meal prep lunches or dinners.
- Leftover mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.