Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
These loaded sweet potato fries combine crispy oven baked fries with protein-packed toppings like ground turkey and blacks. It's perfect for a fun weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but still balanced.
Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into fry shapes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
Fresh pico de gallo:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1/4 cup sweet onion diced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Other fresh toppings: dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Soak the sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry very well.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes evenly in cornstarch.
- Next, add the oil and toss the sweet potatoes until coated. Add all of the spices and gently mix until thoroughly coated.
- Spread the sweet potato fries evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet (you may need two baking sheets). Be careful not to pile them on top of each other or they won't get crispy.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are browned and crispy. Stir and flip the fries gently at the 20 minute mark.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, brown the ground turkey on medium heat in a large skillet, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water and continue cooking 2 to 3 more minutes until the ground turkey is completely cooked through and coated in the taco seasoning.
- Make the pico de gallo by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Remove the fries from the oven and top with cooked ground taco meat, black beans, and shredded cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish by topping with pico de gallo, and any other toppings you enjoy like Greek yogurt or sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.
Notes
- If you don't have time to soak fries: The sweet potato fries can be baked without soaking, but it makes a really big difference and the fries will be much softer without soaking. Keep in mind your fries will be softer and more delicate.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Spread the fries in a single layer with space between them (use two pans if needed) for the best crispiness.
- Best served right away: These are most crispy straight from the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 895mg | Potassium: 1135mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 20240IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 306mg | Iron: 4mg
