Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are roasted until soft and tender, then sliced open to create a pocket. A savory mixture of black beans, corn, and spices is cooked and spooned into the warm sweet potatoes. Each is finished with melted shredded cheese, creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime. This hands-off dish combines comforting textures and vibrant flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight main that’s vegetarian and gluten-free.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Steaming, fluffy Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes brimming with vibrant black beans, corn, and melted cheese for dinner. Save
Steaming, fluffy Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes brimming with vibrant black beans, corn, and melted cheese for dinner. | meanwhilerecipe.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

This recipe has become a weeknight favorite in my household as it combines wholesome ingredients with simple preparation

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
Add Garnishes:
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt diced avocado cilantro scallions and a squeeze of lime Serve immediately
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My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these flavorful loaded sweet potatoes together making weeknights special

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

Oven-baked Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, fork-tender, generously filled with a zesty, colorful black bean topping. Save
Oven-baked Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, fork-tender, generously filled with a zesty, colorful black bean topping. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This recipe comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor making it perfect for busy weeknights

Recipe FAQ

How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully baked?

Sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and a fork easily pierces through the skin and flesh.

Can I prepare the black bean and corn topping in advance?

Yes, the black bean and corn mixture can be cooked ahead and warmed before assembling.

What are good alternatives for the cheese topping?

Plant-based cheeses work well for a vegan option, or you can omit cheese for a lighter finish.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Adding cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey enhances protein without altering the core flavors.

What garnishes enhance the flavor of this dish?

Fresh avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and balance out the rich toppings.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes, try adding pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat and complexity.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tender baked sweet potatoes topped with black beans, corn, cheese, and fresh garnishes for a flavorful meal.

Time to Prepare
10 mins
Time to Cook
50 mins
Complete Time
60 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

Ingredient List

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 can (15 oz) 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

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Rub each with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 04

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.

Step 05

Prepare Sweet Potato Pockets: Allow baked sweet potatoes to cool slightly. Slice lengthwise and gently press open to form pockets. Fluff the interior flesh with a fork.

Step 06

Assemble and Melt Cheese: Distribute the black bean and corn mixture evenly into each sweet potato pocket. Top with shredded cheese and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream or yogurt.
  • May contain sulfites present in canned items.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 380
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 12 g