Cheesy Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes 

When the weather turns chilly, and you're craving something cozy and satisfying, I’ve got the perfect recipe to warm you up: Cheesy Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a big, warm hug on a cold day.

I’m keeping it simple by using the base of my dad’s classic, easy chili recipe—because sometimes, the old family favorites really are the best. I used ground chicken in the chili; it was so good, healthy, and comforting!

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We’re taking that rich, hearty chili and stuffing it into oven-roasted sweet potatoes for the perfect balance of savory and naturally sweet flavors. And of course, we’re finishing things off with plenty of melty cheese and all your favorite chili toppings. Think sour cream, green onions, jalapeños—whatever makes you happy!

Why you'll love this sweet potato recipe

• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Make the chili and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time. When it’s time to eat, you can have dinner ready in just 15–20 minutes.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A (great for your skin and eyes) and Vitamin C to keep your immune system strong, plus so much more..according to Healthline. Combined with the hearty chili, it’s a meal that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
• Versatile: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile. Vegetarian? Use black beans or crumbled tofu or instead of meat.

Simple Ingredients You'll Need

• Sweet potatoes
• Olive oil  
• Diced Onion, White or yellow or red onion all work well!
• Green bell pepper
• Ground beef, sausage, chicken or turkey. I used ground chicken to make this a little healthier.
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Diced tomatoes, canned. I used fire-roasted, but whatever you have works.
• Tomato sauce, canned. I forgot to put it in the photo!
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Hershey's syrup to balance all the flavors in the chili. It's my Dad's secret ingredient.
• Cheddar Cheese
• Toppings: Green onion, Sour cream (or Greek yogurt), black olives, tortilla chips, hot sauce 

How to Make Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a vegetable brush, scrub and dry the sweet potatoes,  then poke holes all over with a fork. Adjust your oven rack to the center and bake at 425°F for about 45 minutes or until fork tender. (Potatoes pictured cooked for 55 mins.) Pro tip: Use a sharp knife to check doneness—if it slides in easily, they’re good to go. (NOTE: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes.)

• Make the chili: Need photos? See my Dad's easy chili recipe for step-by-step photos..just leave out the beans (unless you want them).
  • Saute the veggies: Add olive oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium - medium-high) heat.  Add the onion and green bell pepper and saute until lightly brown, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
  • Add the meat and seasonings: Add the beef, ground chicken or turkey and brown, breaking it up into chunks. Stir in chili powder and cumin. You can add a little water if it looks dry. (especially with the leaner meats) Get that to coat and crumble. 
  • Add the tomatoes and simmer: Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and ½ cup water.  Bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add more chili powder or cumin to taste if need be. 
  • Add the chocolate: Stir in 1-2 teaspoon of Hershey’s syrup (Not too much it could get too sweet) and let simmer on low for another 15-20 minutes. Taste again and adjust any seasoning if needed.

• Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are ready, carefully slice them in half and scoop out a small portion of the inside (save it for another use, like mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole!). Lay the halves back on the baking sheet, cut side up.

• Add cheese.

• Stuff them generously with chili. Top with more shredded cheddar cheese—or your favorite cheese blend.
• Bake Again: Increase the oven temp to 450F. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and melted to perfection. 

Meal Prep Tip!

These stuffed sweet potatoes are a game-changer for make-ahead meals! If your weekdays are super busy, you can prep them completely—toppings and all—so they’re ready to go when you are.

Just reheat the prepared potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, or pop them in the oven at 400°F for 10–20 minutes. I love to serve them with a nice fresh salad, it makes a great weeknight meal.

It’s a simple, healthy way to enjoy a delicious meal without a lot of effort—even when you’re totally wiped out.

*Eat within 4 days.

Recipe