Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes 4 medium (about 900 g)
- Olive oil 1½ tbsp
- Salt to taste
Beef filling
- Beef mince 450 g
- Onion 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil 1 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika 1 tsp (optional)
- Baby spinach 2 cups (60 g)
To finish
- Butter 2–3 tbsp
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix) 1½ cups (150 g)
- Sour cream or ricotta for serving
- Spring onions, sliced
Optional extras
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Or a simple topping of diced tomato, avocado and corn
Method
1. Bake the sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan forced. Wash the sweet potatoes without peeling, rub with olive oil and season with salt. Place on a baking tray or directly on the oven rack and bake for 45–55 minutes until very soft inside.
2. Cook the beef filling. While the potatoes bake, heat a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the beef mince, season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika if using. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Stir through the baby spinach and cook for 1 minute until just wilted. Set aside.
3. Mash the potatoes. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and slice each one lengthways. Add butter straight into the hot flesh and gently mash the inside with a fork until creamy.
4. Fill and melt. Top each potato with the beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Serve. Finish with a spoon of sour cream or ricotta and sprinkle with spring onions. Serve with guacamole and salsa, or keep it simple with tomato, avocado and corn.
Why this meal works nutritionally
Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre and beta-carotene, supporting gut health and skin health while providing steady energy.
Beef mince is a great source of high-quality protein, iron and B vitamins which support energy levels and muscle repair.
Spinach adds folate, magnesium and antioxidants that support cellular health and reduce oxidative stress.
Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Garlic and onion support immune health and digestion thanks to their natural prebiotic compounds.