Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Eats

Sweet potatoes are roasted until tender, creating a warm and soft base. A savory mixture of black beans, corn, and spices is gently cooked and spooned over the potatoes. The dish is finished with melted cheese and fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges. This hands-off method delivers a nutritious and satisfying meal suitable for a busy weeknight. Optional substitutions allow for vegan variations by using plant-based cheese and yogurt alternatives. The blend of smoky spices and fresh garnishes balances rich and bright flavors in each bite.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Steaming loaded baked sweet potatoes brimming with black beans, cheese, and fresh cilantro, a hearty meal. Save
Steaming loaded baked sweet potatoes brimming with black beans, cheese, and fresh cilantro, a hearty meal. | tazzsip.com

Sweet potatoes are roasted until tender and topped with a hearty flavorful mix of black beans corn cheese and fresh garnishes for a satisfying hands-off weeknight dinner

I first served this to my family and everyone loved the comforting flavors and easy prep

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black Bean & Corn Topping: 1 (15 oz / 400 g) can black beans drained and rinsed 1 cup (150 g) frozen or canned corn drained if needed 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cheese & Garnishes: 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt 1 small avocado diced 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro chopped 2 scallions thinly sliced 1 small lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes or until fork-tender.
Cook Topping:
While the sweet potatoes bake heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans corn smoked paprika cumin chili powder and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
Slice Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked let cool slightly. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise gently pressing open to create a pocket.
Fill Potatoes:
Fluff the interiors with a fork then divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle each with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese if desired.
Garnish and Serve:
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt diced avocado cilantro scallions and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
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My family always gathers around the table eagerly anticipating these loaded sweet potatoes especially on busy weeknights

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Fork Skillet Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese sour cream/yogurt) May contain Sulfites (in canned products) Double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 380 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 12 g per serving

Fork-tender loaded baked sweet potatoes bursting with a colorful black bean and corn topping, ready to enjoy. Save
Fork-tender loaded baked sweet potatoes bursting with a colorful black bean and corn topping, ready to enjoy. | tazzsip.com

Enjoy this hearty wholesome meal as a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love

Recipe Guide

How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully baked?

They should be fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce through without resistance, which usually takes 45–50 minutes at 400°F.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used and lightly sautéed with the beans and spices for best flavor and texture.

What are good substitutions for cheddar cheese?

Mexican cheese blends, Monterey Jack, or a plant-based cheese can be used depending on dietary preferences.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Swap cheese and sour cream with plant-based cheese and vegan yogurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

What spices enhance the black bean and corn topping?

Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper provide smoky, warm, and slightly spicy notes that complement the sweetness of the potatoes.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the topping in advance. Reheat before assembling and adding fresh garnishes for best results.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tender baked sweet potatoes topped with a savory black bean and corn mix, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
50 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Easy Weeknight Eats

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Black Bean & Corn Topping

01 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if needed
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese & Garnishes

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
02 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
03 1 small avocado, diced
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 2 scallions, thinly sliced
06 1 small lime, cut into wedges

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Arrange them on the baking sheet.

Phase 02

Roast Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Phase 03

Cook Black Bean and Corn Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and aromatic.

Phase 04

Prepare Sweet Potato Filling: Once roasted, allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise and gently press to open a pocket. Fluff the interior with a fork.

Phase 05

Assemble and Melt Cheese: Divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Phase 06

Add Garnishes and Serve: Top each with sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork
  • Skillet
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream or yogurt.
  • May contain sulfites from canned products.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 380
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 12 g