These Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos transform classic comfort food into a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal.
Sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet, fiber-rich base that supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
Easy Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Non-stick skillet
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Vegetable Peeler (optional)
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Dash salt
- Dash black pepper
For the Protein Layer:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey or 1 can 540 mL brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 tablespoons low-sugar BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable Toppings:
- 2 medium bell peppers diced
- 1 medium zucchini grated
- 1 small jalapeño deseeded and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
For Serving:
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup smashed avocado or guacamole
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the sweet potatoes roast evenly and achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water, scrubbing to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a kitchen towel. Slice each sweet potato into ¼-inch rounds, aiming for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. Place the slices in a medium mixing bowl.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Drizzle the sweet potato rounds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and a dash of salt and black pepper. Toss the slices gently to coat each piece evenly with the oil and spices. This ensures a flavorful base for your nachos.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. They can slightly overlap, but avoid stacking them. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure both sides brown nicely and develop a slightly crisp edge.
- Prep Your Toppings: While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare your fresh toppings. Dice 2 medium bell peppers, grate 1 medium zucchini, and deseed and finely chop 1 small jalapeño. Shred 1 cup of your preferred cheese. Setting these aside now ensures assembly is quick and seamless once the sweet potatoes are done.
- Cook the Protein Layer: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey (or use cooked and drained lentils for a plant-based option). Brown the turkey evenly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked, stir in the lentils (if using), 4 tablespoons low-sugar BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Gently press and mash the lentils with the spatula, blending them into the meat to create a cohesive mixture. If you like, add vegetables such as diced mushrooms or shredded zucchini at this stage for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Assemble the Nachos: Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven.Layer the cooked protein mixture evenly over the sweet potato rounds. Top with the shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, grated zucchini, and chopped jalapeño.
- Melt and Crisp the Cheese: Return the loaded tray to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the vegetables to soften slightly. For a golden, bubbly finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven.If desired, add fresh, uncooked vegetables such as chopped tomatoes or lettuce for extra freshness and texture.
- Serve with Creamy Accompaniments: Top your nachos with ½ cup salsa, ½ cup smashed avocado or guacamole, and ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. These creamy elements balance the spiciness and add richness without excessive fat. Serve immediately on a large platter or individual plates for a family-friendly, satisfying meal.
- Enjoy and Customize: Enjoy your Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos hot, straight from the oven. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like black beans, corn, or fresh herbs. This recipe is flexible, making it perfect for everyday meals, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Notes
- Sweet potatoes can be sliced slightly thicker for a heartier bite, or thinner for crispier nachos.
- Both ground turkey and lentils work well as protein; mix and match for a meatless or lean option.
- Spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder can be adjusted to taste for mild or spicy flavors.
- Toppings are highly customizable—add mushrooms, corn, or black beans to boost fiber and nutrients.
- Broiling the cheese at the end creates a bubbly, golden finish, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Use parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Sweet potato rounds can slightly overlap on the tray; they will still roast evenly.
Topped with lean ground turkey or protein-rich lentils, this dish is an excellent source of plant-based and lean protein, while keeping saturated fats low.
The colorful vegetable toppings, including zucchini, bell peppers, and jalapeños, boost vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor complexity.
Quick to assemble and easy to bake, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying family dinner.
The combination of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa balances textures and flavors, delivering a nourishing yet indulgent experience that everyone can enjoy guilt-free.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Baking Sheet
Essential for roasting sweet potato slices evenly. Its flat surface ensures crisp edges and easy cleanup, making it a versatile tool for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or sheet-pan dinners.
Non-Stick Skillet
Ideal for cooking ground turkey or sautéing lentils without sticking. This pan’s even heat distribution makes it indispensable for browning meats and vegetables efficiently.
Mixing Bowl
Perfect for tossing sweet potatoes with oil and spices. A sturdy mixing bowl is versatile for prepping ingredients, marinating proteins, or combining batters.
Spatula
Used to press lentils and blend them with ground meat. Its flexible design is excellent for flipping, scraping, and stirring without damaging pans.
Vegetable Peeler (Optional)
Speeds up prepping sweet potatoes and zucchini. A sharp, ergonomic peeler is invaluable for slicing fruits and veggies quickly and safely.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Ultimate Flavor
To elevate your sweet potato nachos, layering flavors is key.
Roast the sweet potatoes with a light coating of olive oil and spices to enhance their natural sweetness and create a slightly caramelized exterior.
When cooking the protein layer, gently mash the lentils into the ground turkey so the mixture clings to the sweet potatoes for maximum flavor in every bite.
Adding a small amount of extra vegetables directly into the meat mixture—like zucchini or mushrooms—helps integrate textures and makes the dish more nutrient-dense.
Finally, broiling at the very end ensures a crisp, golden cheese topping, giving your nachos a restaurant-quality finish.
Serving Suggestions: How To Enjoy Best
Serve these nachos immediately for the best texture—warm, crispy sweet potatoes paired with melty cheese and tender protein.
For a fresh contrast, add a bed of lettuce or spinach before layering the toppings.
Accompany with creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, and guacamole to balance spice and add richness.
This dish is perfect as a main course for dinner, a hearty appetizer for gatherings, or a family-friendly weekend meal.
Pair with a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime for an elevated, refreshing experience.
Storage Tips: Keep Them Fresh Longer
Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the sweet potato rounds and protein mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, then broil briefly to re-melt the cheese.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sweet potatoes soggy.
Fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and Greek yogurt should be added only when serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap ground turkey with extra lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt to make it fully vegan without compromising flavor.
2. How can I make the sweet potatoes crispier?
Slice them thinner and ensure they are spaced out evenly on the baking sheet. Roasting at 400°F and flipping halfway through helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy edge.
3. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Roast sweet potatoes and cook the protein mixture in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
4. What are some alternative toppings?
Consider adding corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, or pickled jalapeños. These ingredients add variety, nutrients, and extra layers of flavor.
5. Can I freeze these nachos?
While roasted sweet potatoes and cooked lentils or turkey freeze well, assembling fully loaded nachos with cheese is not recommended for freezing.
Instead, freeze the sweet potatoes and protein separately, then bake and assemble fresh when needed.
