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)

Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Baking dish of baked pear and cranberries with an oat topping.

Pear and Cranberry Crisp

Whole grain oats, warm brown sugar and sweet fruit make this a flavorful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomato halves and herbs with a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the baking dish.

Roasted Tomatoes

Rich and flavorful roasted tomatoes with garlic and your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder
Plate of seasoned watermelon chunks.

Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder

A simple and healthy snack that is sweet and spicy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Pasta Salad
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and Summer side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos
Bean and chicken mix wrapped in flour tortillas and tin foil shown on plates.

Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos

Tortillas are rolled around a flavorful filling of beans, spices and chicken. Kids and adults will love them for a quick and tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Burritos
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo of Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups