Effortless BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Your Go-To Recipe for Healthy & Quick Meals
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly smoked brisket, tender pulled pork, or juicy BBQ chicken. The rich, smoky flavors linger long after the initial feast, often leaving us with a generous amount of delicious leftovers. While reheating BBQ can be tasty, sometimes you crave a fresh, exciting twist to prevent meal fatigue. This is where our BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes come in – a game-changer for transforming your savory BBQ into an entirely new, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying meal. This recipe takes hearty baked sweet potatoes and generously stuffs them with your choice of shredded barbecue meat, crowned with a refreshing coleslaw. It’s an easy, healthy, and filling main dish that astonishingly comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, nutritious lunch.
My father-in-law is a true connoisseur of smoked meats, and we are fortunate beneficiaries of his culinary passion. The only “problem” we ever face is the sheer abundance of his delicious creations, often resulting in more leftovers than we can comfortably eat. My kids, like many, can be quite particular about reheated meals. This constant need to reinvent leftovers has sparked my creativity in the kitchen, leading to ingenious solutions like these marvelous BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. They’re a fantastic way to elevate simple leftovers into a gourmet-style meal that everyone will eagerly enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe
These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are more than just a convenient way to use up extras; they’re a complete meal that checks all the boxes: convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is specifically designed to make the most of any leftover smoked meat or BBQ. Whether it’s pulled pork, shredded chicken, or beef brisket, it finds a delicious new home here. Say goodbye to boring reheated meals and hello to creative repurposing!
- Incredibly Filling: Combining the complex carbohydrates of sweet potatoes with protein-rich BBQ meat and a vibrant coleslaw, these stuffed potatoes are hearty enough to be a satisfying meal on their own. They’ll keep you feeling full and energized.
- Lightning Fast: Thanks to the efficiency of microwave cooking for the sweet potatoes, this meal can be on your table in under 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome, homemade dinner. It’s also a fantastic option for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Healthy and Balanced: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while lean BBQ meat provides protein. Topped with a fresh coleslaw, you get a balance of flavors and nutrients that are both delicious and good for you.
- Highly Customizable: While the core ingredients are simple, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. Adjust your BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and add various toppings to suit your taste preferences every time you make it.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are much more than just a tasty base for your BBQ. They are nutritional superstars, loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in your body, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, B vitamins, manganese, and potassium. Furthermore, their high fiber content supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to that satisfying feeling of fullness. Choosing them as the foundation for your meal not only adds a delicious sweetness but also significantly boosts the nutritional value of your dinner.
Picking the Perfect Sweet Potatoes
The success of your stuffed sweet potatoes begins with selecting the right ones. Aim for sweet potatoes that are medium to medium-large in size. They need to be substantial enough to hold all the delicious BBQ and coleslaw filling without falling apart, but not so enormous that one person can’t comfortably eat a whole potato. Crucially, try to pick sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size. This consistency is important because it ensures they all cook at a similar rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become mushy.
Cooking Your Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
While oven baking is a classic method, we’re focusing on a quicker microwave approach for this recipe’s “under 15 minutes” promise. However, we’ll cover both!
Quick Microwave Method
The microwave is your best friend for getting perfectly tender sweet potatoes in a flash. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash and Dry: Start by thoroughly washing and drying your sweet potatoes. This removes any dirt and ensures the skin is clean, as you’ll be eating parts of it and definitely enjoying the steam from within.
- Pierce for Perfection: Pierce each potato approximately 5-8 times with a fork. This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potato from bursting and helping it cook more evenly.
- Prep for Cleanliness: Wrap each potato individually with a paper towel, or simply place them on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Sweet potatoes can sometimes release a little liquid as they cook, and the paper towels will help absorb this moisture, keeping your microwave clean.
- Microwave and Flip: Microwave for 5-6 minutes on high. Then, carefully turn over each sweet potato to ensure even cooking and cook again for another 5-6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the size of your potatoes.
- Check for Doneness: The sweet potatoes are ready when their flesh gently yields and feels soft when you press on it. If they still feel firm, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness.
*Microwave Power Varies: Not all microwaves cook at the same rate. These times are based on an average microwave oven. Yours may take more or less time depending on its wattage. Always use these times as an estimate and remember, you can always add more time if the potatoes aren’t quite done, but you can’t remove time once they are overcooked. It’s always better to check several times than to overbake!
Alternate: Traditional Oven Baking Method
If you have more time and prefer the slightly crispier skin that oven baking provides, you can certainly bake your sweet potatoes. This method takes longer but offers a wonderful texture. Here’s how:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and Prepare: Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them 5-8 times with a fork, just as you would for the microwave method.
- Lightly Oil: For extra crispy skin and flavor, rub a small amount of olive oil over each sweet potato and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Bake: Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly on an oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on their size.
- Rest: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and stuffing.
Prepping Your BBQ Filling
While your sweet potatoes are cooking or resting, it’s the perfect time to prepare your shredded BBQ meat. If you’re using leftovers from the fridge, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can use any type of shredded BBQ meat – pulled pork, chicken, or beef brisket all work wonderfully. For an extra burst of flavor, toss your reheated meat with a little extra barbecue sauce, or even a homemade specialty like my Blackberry BBQ sauce.
The Essential Topping: Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw isn’t just a side dish here; it’s an integral part of the flavor profile, offering a cool, crisp, and tangy counterpoint to the warm, savory BBQ and sweet potato. The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage add a refreshing element that elevates the entire dish. You can use leftover coleslaw, whip up your favorite homemade recipe (perhaps one with apples and poppy seed dressing for a unique twist!), or simply grab a quality store-bought version to keep things incredibly simple and easy.
Assembling Your Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection and your BBQ meat is warmed, it’s time to assemble these masterpieces. This is where the magic happens and flavors combine:
- Split Them Open: Carefully slice each tender sweet potato down the center lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Gently push the sides apart to create a well for your filling.
- Pile on the BBQ: Generously pile your reheated shredded BBQ meat into the opened sweet potatoes. Don’t be shy – this is the star of the show!
- Add a Drizzle: If desired, add an extra drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce over the meat for an additional layer of flavor and moisture.
- Top with Coleslaw: Crown each stuffed potato with a generous scoop of prepared coleslaw. The cool, crunchy slaw against the warm, soft potato and savory meat is a match made in heaven.
- Garnish and Serve: Add any extra desired toppings (see ideas below!) and serve immediately.
Beyond the Basics: Exciting Topping Variations
While BBQ meat and coleslaw are the classic combination, don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings to personalize your stuffed sweet potatoes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Sweet Pickles: A few slices of sweet pickles add a wonderful tangy crunch that complements the savory BBQ.
- Crispy Fried Onions: For an extra layer of texture and savory depth, sprinkle on some crispy fried onions.
- Pickled Red Onions: These offer a sharper, more vibrant tang than sweet pickles and a beautiful pop of color. They cut through the richness beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: A scattering of fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous note that lightens the dish.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoky Gouda) melts into gooey perfection when added to the warm potato and BBQ.
- Sliced Jalapeños: If you love a little heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños will add a spicy kick.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy avocado adds a rich, healthy fat and a cooling contrast.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a cool, tangy creaminess, similar to a loaded baked potato.
- Green Onions/Scallions: A light, fresh onion flavor and a subtle crunch.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like an extra layer of spice, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is a must.
What to Serve with Your BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes are incredibly fulfilling on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, consider these simple additions:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted green beans.
- A bowl of chili or black bean soup for a truly hearty meal.
- Fresh corn on the cob when in season.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes (which is unlikely once people taste them!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave until warmed through, or for a crispier potato, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Note that coleslaw might lose some of its crispness upon reheating, so if you plan ahead, it’s best to add fresh coleslaw when serving leftovers.
BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 4 medium to medium-large sweet potatoes
- 2 cups leftover shredded bbq meat
- 2 cups prepared coleslaw
- Barbecue sauce
- For the toppings: Pickles (red onions, cilantro, jalapenos, shredded cheese)
Instructions
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Wash and dry your sweet potatoes.
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Pierce each sweet potato 6-8 times with a fork.
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Either wrap the sweet potatoes in paper towels, or simply place the potatoes on paper towels on a microwaveable plate.
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Cook on high in the microwave for 5-6 minutes. Flip the potatoes over and cook another 5-6 minutes. Cooking times are approximate and will vary based on the wattage of your microwave and the size of your sweet potatoes. Smaller sweet potatoes might not take as long, while larger sweet potatoes may take longer. You’ll know the sweet potatoes are ready when you squeeze them and the flesh gently gives way under pressure.
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Remove the sweet potatoes and let them rest while you reheat the bbq meat in the microwave.
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Cut each potato down the center and gently split.
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Top each potato with 1/2 cup shredded bbq meat, extra bbq sauce to taste, and 1/2 cup coleslaw.
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Add extra toppings as desired.
Notes
There you have it – a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy way to transform your leftovers into a meal that feels anything but recycled. These BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a testament to how creative cooking can be both healthy and quick. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy parent looking for a fast dinner solution, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab those sweet potatoes, pull out that leftover BBQ, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity. Happy cooking!
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