Yields: 2-4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch thick fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- ½ pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup chopped white or yellow onion
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Optional toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prep Sweet Potatoes: Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Fries: Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
- Cook the Toppings: While the fries bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Deglaze Pan and Simmer: Stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble Fries: Once the fries are cooked, top them with the beef mixture and shredded cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Place the fries back in the oven on broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings and Enjoy: Garnish with your favorite toppings like tomatoes, avocado, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choose Your Protein: Swap out the ground beef for other lean proteins like ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or try topping with sliced jalapenos.
- Make it Vegan: Use a vegan ground meat alternative, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and vegan sour cream for a plant-based version.
Enjoy this healthier twist on a classic comfort food!
