Skip to main content

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Potatoes are topped with southwest-style toppings for a simple and tasty microwave meal.
Video

Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 potato halves
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes (about 5x2½-inches each)
1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
¾ cup salsa  (try Food Hero's Salsa Roja or Salsa Verde)
1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
½ cup shredded cheese (try cheddar, pepper jack or Mexican blend)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Scrub potatoes under running water. Poke each potato with a fork 2 or 3 times. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, turn potatoes over, and microwave another 3 to 5 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Set aside.
  3. In a microwave safe bowl, combine beans, salsa and corn. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Cut potatoes in half length-wise and flatten with a fork. Divide bean mixture between the four halves. Sprinkle with cheese and serve warm.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try kidney or pinto beans instead of black beans.
  • Add leftover cooked chicken, turkey or ground beef.
  • Topping ideas: chopped cilantro, hot sauce, avocado, black olives, green onion, cooked meat or tofu, plain low-fat yogurt or sour cream.

Comments

Super quick weeknight dinner!  Since not everyone in our family likes the same ingredients we let everyone top their potato with whatever they want!  Which makes it extra fun having everyone "cook their own"

I love how simple this recipe is. I made this with a green salad for dinner!

As an adult, I love all the ingredients in this recipe, but it's a little intimidating for kids...so much STUFF piled on top of the potatoes.  We just prepared this as part of a kids cooking daycamp featuring Food Hero recipes.  The kids enjoyed using the microwave for cooking.  I asked them all to take at least one bite "as is" so they could do the Kid's Tasting Survey, so they did.  Most of the kids liked them, especially with kid-friendly cheese melted on top. 

Three cheers to the kids for tasting even though it looked a little intimidating!  It might look more 'kid firendly' if the servings sizes were smaller or the potatoes were flattened a little more so they spread out more to hold the toppings.  Kids are more likely to taste foods they help make. 

The Food Hero Team

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salmon Salad Mix
Creamy salmon mix on lettuce in a bowl.

Salmon Salad Mix

A delicious and vitamin-packed alternative to tuna salad, this salmon salad is made with tangy pickles, low-fat yogurt and a bit of creamy mayonnaise.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cup
Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
Bowls of rice with chicken and vegetables topped with cilantro.

Rice with Chicken and Vegetables

A filling and satisfying meal of rice, veggies and chicken that is packed with flavor.
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Cook:
35 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Melon and Mint
Glass bowl of watermelon and honeydew cubes with mint.

Melon and Mint

Fresh and simple fruit salad with mint and lime.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Plant Part Salad
Wooden bowl filled with a variety of raw vegetables.

Plant Part Salad

Kids learn the parts of a plant and how to make a tasty salad with this recipe.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf
A wooden bowl with bulgur, mushrooms and spinach.

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

A hearty side dish with whole grains, veggies and flavored with a savory broth. Add a protein to make it a satisfying main dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Brocco Poppers
Scoops of seasoned and baked broccoli and cheese mixture are displayed on serving platter .

Brocco Poppers

A fun and unique way to add more veggies to your day. A tasty snack or appetizer!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
20 pieces