One of the cornerstones of my 100-pound weight loss success was meal prepping—having healthy, delicious meals ready to go made all the difference. If you're looking for a nutritious, satisfying, and simple meal prep idea that will fuel you for the week, this Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Taco Beef recipe is a game changer.
This meal is packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and tons of flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for both weight loss and overall health. Whether you’re trying to shed a few pounds or just want to eat cleaner, these sweet potatoes are an easy and delicious way to hit your nutritional goals.
Let's break down how to make this flavorful meal prep, step by step!
Macros (per serving)
Makes 5 servings
Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 45g
Ingredients
For the Loaded Sweet Potatoes
1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
For the Pico de Gallo
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Chipotle Sauce
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp chipotle sauce (or to taste)
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, season the sweet potatoes with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
Roast in the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Be sure to toss the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking for even roasting.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Beef
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully cooked, add the taco seasoning and a splash of water (or as directed on the seasoning packet). Stir to combine and let the beef simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Pico de Gallo
In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
Add the lime juice, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
Stir everything together and set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the light sour cream and chipotle sauce. You can adjust the amount of chipotle sauce based on how spicy you want the topping to be.
Blend until smooth and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and the beef is cooked, it’s time to assemble.
In each of your meal prep containers, add a generous portion of roasted sweet potatoes.
Top with the seasoned taco beef and a spoonful of pico de gallo.
Drizzle the chipotle sauce over the top.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy
Cover the containers with lids and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply heat them up in the microwave or on the stove, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal!
Meal Prep Safety Tips
Cool Before Storing: After cooking the sweet potatoes and beef, allow everything to cool before storing it in your meal prep containers. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the food fresh longer.
Proper Storage: To store in Refrigeration: These loaded sweet potatoes will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure your containers are airtight to preserve freshness. Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the sweet potatoes and beef. Just let the meal cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
Reheat Safely: Always make sure your meal is heated through when reheating leftovers. If you’re microwaving, heat it in intervals (stirring in between) to ensure even heating.
Don’t Skip the Chipotle Sauce: The chipotle sauce adds a nice creamy, smoky kick to the meal. If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the sour cream with a yogurt-based sauce or a dairy-free alternative.
Customization: Feel free to add extra toppings like guacamole, shredded lettuce, or salsa for added freshness and flavor. You can also swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Why This Recipe Works for Meal Prep
This Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Taco Beef recipe is perfect for meal prep because it combines lean protein, healthy carbs, and fresh veggies all in one meal. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the ground beef provides a great source of protein and iron.
The pico de gallo and chipotle sauce add fresh, zesty flavors that keep the meal from feeling bland or repetitive throughout the week. Plus, the ease of preparation means that this meal doesn’t take long to make, so you can spend more time enjoying it and less time in the kitchen.
Whether you're looking to lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle, or simply eat cleaner, this meal prep is a great option to stay on track without sacrificing flavor.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it works for you in your meal prep routine! Making healthy choices easy, convenient, and delicious is the key to success, and this recipe checks all the boxes. Here's to a successful week of clean eating! 🧡