Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato. This clever twist on two classics brings together the smoky, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the natural sweetness and creaminess of a baked sweet potato. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this dish is loaded with rich cheddar, crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and all the fixings you love, making every bite irresistibly delicious and hearty without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Combines smoky bacon, savory beef, and creamy cheese for a mouthwatering taste.
• Nutritious Twist: Uses sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, adding fiber and vitamins.
• Comfort Food Made Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it perfect for busy days.
• Customizable: Adapt toppings and seasonings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect Portion: Each loaded sweet potato is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is the key to making this Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato shine. Each component adds its own special flavor and texture that come together beautifully.

• Sweet Potatoes: Medium-sized and firm, they serve as the perfect base with natural sweetness.
• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for rich, juicy burgers without extra grease.
• Bacon Strips: Crispy cooked bacon adds smoky crunch and salty goodness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded cheese melts perfectly over the hot potato.
• Onion: Diced onions add a subtle bite and freshness to balance the richness.
• Tomato: Fresh diced tomato brightens the dish and adds a juicy texture.
• Pickles: Chopped pickles provide tanginess that cuts through creamy cheese and beef.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
• Olive Oil: Helps to bake the sweet potatoes to tender perfection with crispy skin.

Variations for Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato

This dish welcomes your creativity! Feel free to tailor the Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability without losing its signature comfort appeal.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring in some heat.
• Cheese Choices: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
• Herb Boost: Toss in fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro for an herby freshness.
• Low Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes and load the toppings as usual.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pat dry. Rub them with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks for even crumbling. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon strips in a separate pan until they reach your preferred crispiness. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

Dice the onion, tomato, and pickles into small, uniform pieces for easy layering and balanced bites.

Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise. Fluff the insides slightly with a fork, then layer ground beef, bacon crumbles, diced onions, tomatoes, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Place the loaded sweet potatoes back in the oven for 5-7 minutes or under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Add any final garnishes like fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce before serving hot.

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato

• Choose Uniform Sweet Potatoes: Picking potatoes of similar size ensures even baking.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Keep ground beef juicy by avoiding overcooking and draining just enough fat.
• Rest the Bacon: Letting bacon cool before crumbling keeps it crispy rather than soggy.
• Use Sharp Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and offers a bold flavor that stands up to the toppings.
• Balance Flavors: The acidity from pickles and tomatoes balances the richness of bacon and cheese perfectly.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato

Garnishes

Top finished potatoes with fresh chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an elevated look and added flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for contrasting freshness. A side of coleslaw or baked beans also complements the smoky, meaty flavors well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve multiple smaller loaded sweet potatoes as a fun appetizer or party snack. Alternatively, cut the potatoes into wedges before loading for easier bite-sized servings that work great for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked sweet potatoes separately without toppings, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture and avoid soggy bacon.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a leaner alternative and absorbs seasoning well.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based ground meat substitutes, vegan bacon alternatives, and dairy-free cheese to create a vegan-friendly Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! Bake the sweet potatoes and cook the beef and bacon in advance, then store separately and assemble before reheating to enjoy fresh flavors.

What are good sauces to pair with this dish?

Classic ketchup, mustard, or a creamy chipotle mayo all pair beautifully to enhance the cheeseburger flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, the Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Sweet Potato is a must-try. It takes the best of two favorites and simplifies them into one easy-to-make, satisfying meal. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it promises to become your go-to recipe that everyone will love.

Related Posts

• Easy Sausage and Mash Tacos You’ll Love
• How to Make Chili Cheese Paneer with Herb Rice
• Irresistible Coq au Vin Meatballs Recipe

Print