Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! These BBQ Meatball Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are not just a meal – they're a flavor explosion that combines the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with juicy, saucy BBQ meatballs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine cutting into a tender sweet potato and discovering a pocket of perfectly seasoned, sauce-glazed meatballs waiting to tantalize your senses – this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Using a fork, poke several holes in each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during cooking. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the BBQ meatball mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have approximately 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil if desired. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the BBQ sauce over them in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sauce through.
- When the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise and gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create a pocket for the meatballs.
- Fill each sweet potato half with the BBQ meatballs, making sure to drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the top if desired.
- Garnish the stuffed sweet potatoes with chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve the BBQ meatball stuffed sweet potatoes warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
- Meat matters: For the juiciest meatballs, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) or a mix of ground beef and turkey for balanced flavor.
- Don't skip the fork-poking step: Piercing the sweet potatoes prevents them from potentially exploding in the oven and helps steam escape.
- Temperature is key: Make sure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they're fully cooked.
- Sauce hack: For extra flavor, try mixing different BBQ sauces or adding a touch of honey or hot sauce to your sauce for a personalized twist.
- Garnish generously: Fresh green onions not only add color but bring a bright, fresh element to this rich dish.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the meatballs and sweet potatoes in advance and assemble just before serving to save time on busy nights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
