Mexican Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

Our Mexican Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes are made with ground beef, homemade taco seasoning, and your favorite ingredients for a delicious twist on an old favorite. Sweet potatoes provide a perfect “shell” for these filling, flavorful tacos. So skip the take-out and try something new for dinner tonight!

I was going to call this dish Mexican Sloppy José Sweet Potatoes. But I am pretty sure everyone would think it was a typo. And I am still not truly sure if it’s a true sloppy Joe since it’s not a sandwich. I mean it is sandwiched between sweet potatoes with a homemade taco seasoning. Does that count?

Still, I love trying new recipes, and I love this twist on a classic Sloppy Joe recipe! Those tasty sandwiches are comfort food for me, and something I could rely on that the whole family would eat. Well, this version is a little more grown-up but still absolutely delicious, especially with that Lime Crema on top!

Did you Know?

Several people claim to have made the original Sloppy Joe sandwich. Did it come from a tomato sauce version of Iowa’s famous “loose-meat” sandwiches? Was it born at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Florida? Or did this great recipe originate at Sloppy Joe’s saloon in Havana? 

Wherever sloppy joes came from, there’s no doubt that classic sloppy joe mixture is delicious! This recipe keeps the feel of the original while adding a bit of Mexican flavor and, of course, those tender sweet potatoes as a base.

Ingredients for Mexican Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This recipe makes 4 sweet potatoes, so you’ll need those plus some olive oil and salt and pepper to prepare them.

For the ground beef mixture, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Diced onion
• Diced jalapeno
• Minced Garlic
• Lean ground beef (ground turkey will also work!)
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dark brown sugar (light is fine too)
• Dry mustard (or prepared yellow mustard)
• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish—optional!)

We will also drizzle lime crema over the top. You can view the instructions here, and here are the ingredients you’ll need for that:

• Plain sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chili paste or sriracha (you could also use chili powder)
• Water 

How to make Mexican Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potato sloppy joes make an easy meal for a busy weeknight meal! Don’t be intimidated by all the steps in this recipe. The Lime Crema and Taco Beef Filling can be prepared as the sweet potatoes cook, saving you some time. 

Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F., and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a sheet of tin foil or parchment paper. Spray the liner with cooking spray.
2. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. With a sharp knife, make some slits on two sides of each potato. Rub the potatoes with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place onto the baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Make the Lime Crema

In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili paste until well blended. Add the water one teaspoon at a time, if needed, until the desired consistency has been reached so that the sauce can be drizzled over the potatoes.

Make the Taco Beef Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeno for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground meat and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If necessary, drain any liquid.
3. Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, taco seasoning, and water and mix well. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Slice open your baked sweet potato to act as a “bun”. Divide the meat mixture between the four potatoes. Top each with some of the Lime Crema, and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro.

Recipe Variations

• Add green onions or red onions for a nice crunch on top.
• Add some green bell pepper to your beef filling.
• If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Top your taco beef filling with shredded cheddar cheese.

More Mexican-Inspired Meals

If you love Mexican food like I do, try one of these easy recipes next time:

• Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna
• Mexican Street Corn and Chorizo Tacos
• Spicy Tequila Shrimp Tacos
• Mexican Chicken Casserole
• Baked Mexican Dip

This post was originally published October 17, 2017. It has been updated in format and with pictures on April 11, 2024.