Ultimate BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Your Go-To Recipe for Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Meals
Transform ordinary leftovers into an extraordinary meal with these incredible BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe takes hearty, nutrient-rich baked sweet potatoes and generously fills them with savory shredded BBQ meat, then crowns them with a refreshing coleslaw. The result? An effortlessly delicious, incredibly healthy, and satisfying main dish that comes together in under 15 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a speedy, wholesome lunch, these stuffed sweet potatoes are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly smoked meat. My father-in-law is a master smoker, and we are always delighted recipients of his culinary efforts. The only “problem” we ever encounter is having an abundance of delicious leftovers! Unfortunately, my kids can be quite particular about reheated meals, so I’m constantly on the lookout for innovative and exciting ways to repurpose that mouth-watering BBQ. This recipe for BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes quickly became a family favorite, breathing new life into any leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken. It’s a game-changer for reducing food waste and making mealtime fun again.
Why These BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Will Become Your New Favorite
- The Ultimate Leftover Makeover: This dish is the perfect vehicle for any leftover smoked meat or BBQ – think shredded chicken, succulent pulled pork, or even tender beef brisket. It transforms last night’s meal into a fresh, exciting culinary experience that even picky eaters will adore.
- Incredibly Filling and Satisfying: Packed with complex carbohydrates from the sweet potato and protein from the BBQ meat, these stuffed sweet potatoes are robust enough to be a complete meal on their own. You won’t feel hungry an hour later!
- Lightning-Fast Meal Solution: By utilizing the microwave to cook the sweet potatoes, this entire dish can be on your table in under 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a super speedy weeknight dinner, a wholesome desk lunch, or a quick and easy midday meal.
- Healthy & Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins (especially A and C), fiber, and antioxidants. Paired with lean BBQ meat and fresh coleslaw, this meal offers a balanced and nourishing profile.
Picking the Perfect Sweet Potatoes
For the best BBQ stuffed sweet potatoes, selecting the right size and type is key. Aim for sweet potatoes that are medium to medium-large. You want them substantial enough to hold a generous amount of filling without overflowing, but not so enormous that they become overwhelming to eat. A good rule of thumb is to look for potatoes roughly the size of your hand. It’s also beneficial to choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size. This ensures they cook evenly and at roughly the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone. Look for firm, blemish-free skins and avoid any with soft spots or sprouts. Common varieties like Beauregard or Jewel work wonderfully due to their creamy texture and balanced sweetness when cooked.
Mastering Sweet Potato Cooking in the Microwave
Using the microwave is a fantastic shortcut to perfectly tender sweet potatoes, shaving significant time off your meal prep. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preparation is Key: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your sweet potatoes. This removes any dirt and ensures a clean cooking surface.
- Vent for Steam: Pierce each potato approximately 5-8 times all over with a fork. This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potato from bursting and helping it cook more evenly and quickly.
- Manage Moisture: To prevent any mess from liquid seepage, wrap each potato loosely with a paper towel, or simply place them on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. The paper towels will absorb any moisture that might escape as the potatoes soften.
- Initial Cook Time: Microwave on high for 5-6 minutes. After this initial burst, carefully turn over each sweet potato to ensure even cooking. This prevents one side from becoming overly soft while the other remains firm.
- Finish Cooking: Continue microwaving for another 5-6 minutes, or until the sweet potato flesh gently yields when you press on it. It should feel soft and slightly squishy when squeezed.
*A Note on Microwave Variability: Not all microwaves are created equal! Cooking times can vary significantly based on your microwave oven’s wattage and the exact size of your sweet potatoes. The times provided here are estimates based on a standard microwave. It’s always better to check for doneness frequently and add more time in smaller increments (e.g., 1-2 minutes) rather than overcooking. Remember, you can always add more time if the potatoes aren’t quite done, but you can’t undo an overcooked, mushy potato!
Oven Baking Alternative: If you have more time on your hands and prefer the classic oven-baked approach, you can certainly bake your sweet potatoes in the oven. This method typically results in a slightly crispier skin and a deeper, sweeter flavor, though it requires about 45-60 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Once your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and tender, let them rest for a few minutes while you quickly reheat your shredded BBQ meat. This resting period allows the internal temperature of the sweet potatoes to equalize and makes them easier to handle. Then, simply split them open, pile them high with the warm, savory BBQ meat, and top generously with prepared coleslaw. It’s truly as easy as pie – or in this case, a delicious stuffed potato!
These yummy stuffed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with shredded BBQ chicken or the rich flavors of slow cooker pulled pork. To elevate the experience, I often drizzle them with my homemade Blackberry BBQ sauce, which adds a unique sweet and tangy kick. For the coleslaw, you have several options: use any leftover coleslaw you might have, whip up your favorite homemade recipe, or grab a store-bought version to keep this meal as quick and simple as possible.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Topping Ideas for Your Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
While BBQ and coleslaw are a classic pairing, don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings to customize your stuffed sweet potato experience. Here are some fantastic ideas to add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal:
- Sweet Pickles: A delightful crunch and tangy contrast to the rich BBQ.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Adds a savory, textural element that elevates the whole dish.
- Pickled Red Onions: A sharp, vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness and adds a beautiful pop of color.
- Fresh Cilantro: A burst of herbaceous freshness, especially if your BBQ has a Mexican or Southwestern twist.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoky Gouda melt beautifully over the warm BBQ meat.
- Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled for those who love a little heat.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the smoky flavors.
- Green Onions/Scallions: A mild oniony bite and a fresh, bright green garnish.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, healthy fats that add a luxurious texture and mild flavor.
- Black Beans or Corn: For added fiber, texture, and a more robust, Southwestern-inspired meal.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Because everything is better with bacon! Adds a salty, smoky crunch.
- Hot Sauce or Sriracha: For those who crave an extra kick of spice.
Mix and match these toppings to discover your ultimate BBQ stuffed sweet potato creation!
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
To make this recipe even faster, you can prep some components ahead of time. Cook the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also prepare your coleslaw a day or two before. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sweet potatoes and BBQ meat, assemble, and enjoy! Leftovers of the assembled dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the coleslaw may get a little soft.
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
Pin it to save this fantastic idea for later! Enjoy transforming your leftovers into a meal that’s both easy and exciting.
