Main Dishes

January 29, 2024

Loaded Tex Mex Purple Sweet Potato Boats

A healthy, easy delicious meal has never been easier or looked prettier than these Loaded Tex Mex Purple Sweet Potato Boats! A delightful blend of smooth, creamy purple sweet potatoes, generously filled with a mixture of ground turkey, beans, corn, cheese, and tomatoes. Crowned with a delectable guacamole and a touch of black pepper, these culinary creations not only elevate your dining experience at home, but can also be seamlessly incorporated into your meal prep routine. Embrace the tex mex fusion of flavor and consider adding this recipe to your monthly rotation for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option!

Embrace the vibrant world of sweet potatoes with open arms! If you're a sweet potato enthusiast, like both my husband and I, you're in for a treat. This recipe is crafted with love for all those who appreciate the diverse array of shapes, sizes, and colors that sweet potatoes come in. During the creative process, I was drawn to the idea of introducing new colors and nutritional benefits into our diet, providing a unique twist for fellow sweet potato lovers. Notably, purple sweet potatoes bring more than just a vibrant hue – they offer distinctive qualities and health advantages that set them apart from the familiar orange variety.

Upon delving into the nutritional profile of purple sweet potatoes, I uncovered a wealth of benefits beyond their enticing color. These potatoes are not only rich in beta-carotene but also boast an abundant source of anthocyanin pigments. Anthocyanins, natural plant compounds responsible for vibrant vegetable colors, act as powerful antioxidants, contributing to reduced inflammation and a fortified immune system. Remarkably, purple sweet potatoes contain approximately three times more anthocyanins than your average blueberry! Join me in savoring the goodness of purple sweet potatoes and unlock a world of both flavor and health benefits.

While embarking on the creation of this dish, my goal was to infuse Tex-Mex flavors in a way that feels just right— not too heavy, not too overpowering and not compromising any freshness. I carefully picked each ingredient, aiming for a symphony of flavors that would dance on your taste buds. As you take each bite, you'll notice a delightful fusion of savory and slightly sweet notes from the purple sweet potatoes, paired with a gentle tanginess. It's a blend that just feels perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying. Whether you decide to prepare it in advance for your weekly meals or gather your family for a cozy healthy weeknight dinner, these sweet potato boats promise a genuinely delightful experience at the dining table.

For those opting for meal prepping or fortunate enough to have leftovers, the reheating process is effortlessly convenient. Simply place them in your oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes for a thorough reheating, or opt for the microwave for a quick 2-minute revival.

If you're considering making some recipe adaptations to the recipe, I'm more than happy to provide some suggestions for effortless customization:

  • For a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese.
  • Feel free to switch up the protein; while I used ground turkey, ground chicken or beef can be excellent alternatives based on your preference.
  • Not a fan of spice? No worries! Swap the fire-roasted diced tomatoes for regular diced tomatoes, or consider adding freshly chopped tomatoes instead of the canned variety.
  • Short on time? Opt for canned corn instead of fresh corn on the cob. While I personally prefer the freshness of cooked and cut corn, canned corn is an equally suitable alternative.
  • In case you've already purchased prepared guacamole, that's perfectly fine! However, I highly recommend this easy guacamole recipe that goes with it for its simplicity and healthiness, requiring only four ingredients, ensuring you know exactly what goes into it.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram and tiktok or leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!

Loaded Tex Mex Purple Sweet Potato Boats

A healthy, easy delicious meal has never been easier or looked prettier than these Loaded Tex Mex Purple Sweet Potato Boats!

Prep:
15
min
cook:
55
min
total:
70
min
Author:

Michelle

Ingredients

For the Loaded Purple Sweet Potatoes: 

  • 3-4 Purple sweet potatoes, cooked and cut in half lengthwise
  • ½ LB. ground turkey or ground beef
  • ½ Cup yellow onion, minced
  • ½ TBSP fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 ear of corn, shucked, cooked and corn cut off the cob (you can sub for canned corn if desired)
  • ⅓ Cup bean trio from the can
  • 1 14.5 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (muir glen brand)
  • ⅓ Cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese from the block
  • Easy guacamole for topping (recipe below)
  • Cilantro for garnish

For the Easy Guacamole: 

  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • ½ TSP salt
  • ¼ TSP black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Using a fork, poke holes in all areas of your sweet potatoes, roughly 1-inch apart. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place your poked sweet potatoes in a bowl or ziploc bag and cover with ¼ cup olive oil and 1-2 TBSP salt. You want to generously coat the potatoes in olive oil and salt. Then, carefully cut in half lengthwise. Place on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until they are tender with a fork. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.
  2. While your potatoes are cooking, mince your yellow onion and garlic. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 TBSP olive oil. Add your minced onion and garlic. Saute in the olive oil for 2 minutes. Add your ground turkey and mix well with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook until no longer pink. When done, drain the fat and set aside.
  3. Heat another pot over medium heat and add salt. Bring to a boil. Shuck your fresh corn. Once boiling add your corn and cook for 7-8 minutes until bright yellow. When done, remove from water and let cool. Once cooled, cut the corn off the cob. Set aside.
  4. Shred your cheese, drain your beans, Open your can of diced tomatoes and chilies.
  5. In a bowl combine: cooked ground turkey, corn, beans, can of diced tomatoes and chilies and cheese.
  6. Slice your potatoes down the middle lengthwise. Do not cut all the way through, you want them to be like potato boats. Once cut, fluff up the middle of each side of the sweet potato. Using a spoon, fill the middle with your ground turkey mixture.
  7. Place back in the oven at 400 for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
  8. Prepare your guacamole by mashing your avocado in a bowl. Add lime juice and salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove potatoes from the oven and top with your guacamole. Serve with extra lime wedges, your choice of hot sauce and other desired toppings.
  10. ENJOY!
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Cynthia
October 9, 2023
The ingredient list is missing lemon slices, shallot and garlic.
Michael
July 5, 2023
Can I do this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Kevin
October 19, 2021
So delicious!