How to Create Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A Delicious Dinner Idea
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, smoky BBQ pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes are a great choice! This mouthwatering combination of tender shredded pork and naturally sweet, oven-roasted potatoes is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep. Best of all, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. So, let’s dive into how you can create this irresistible dish in simple steps.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
- For the pulled pork:
- 2-3 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup chicken broth or water
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For the sweet potatoes:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons)
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Pinch of salt
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Optional toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
Step 1: Start with the Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is the star of this dish. To get that smoky BBQ flavor, you’ll need to cook the pork low and slow, which brings out its tenderness and rich taste.
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Prepare the Pork:
Start by rubbing the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix will add lots of flavor to the meat. -
Cook Low and Slow:
You can use a slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker for the pork. For a slow cooker, place the pork in the pot, add the chicken broth or water, and cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 4-6 hours). If using an oven, place the pork in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
No matter which method you choose, the pork is done when it’s so tender that it easily shreds with a fork.
- Add Barbecue Sauce:
Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks. Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce until the pork is coated evenly. If you love that smoky flavor, opt for a sauce labeled “smoky BBQ” or add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and buttery, making them the perfect base for this dish.
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). -
Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes to remove dirt, then dry them with a paper towel. Poke each potato 4-5 times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking. Rub the potatoes with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. -
Roast Until Tender:
Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45-55 minutes, or until they’re soft when you squeeze them lightly with an oven mitt.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the fun part — putting everything together!
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Slice the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them open lengthwise. Be careful not to slice all the way through so they can hold the filling. -
Stuff with Pulled Pork:
Use a fork to gently fluff the sweet potato flesh before adding the pulled pork. Then, pile a generous amount of shredded BBQ pork into each sweet potato. -
Add Toppings:
This step is optional but highly recommended if you want to take your dish to the next level. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let the heat of the pork melt it. Add sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top!
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Pulled pork can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Heat it up when you’re ready to serve. This makes the dish perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customize Flavors: Adjust the spice rub and BBQ sauce according to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter BBQ flavor, go for a honey BBQ sauce. If you love heat, add a dash of cayenne to the spice rub.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover pulled pork, try using it in tacos, quesadillas, or sandwiches.
Why Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Are Perfect
This dish is a great balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, savory pork pairs beautifully with the creamy, naturally sweet potatoes. On top of that, roasting sweet potatoes brings out their caramelized flavor, making them even more irresistible. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Smoky BBQ pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and full of bold flavors. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but is achievable for any home cook.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving comfort food, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your taste buds. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Enjoy your smoky BBQ pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
