Sweet Potato Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a total winner for a few reasons. It’s not only loaded with protein from the lean beef and cottage cheese, but the combination of roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, spicy hot honey, and taco seasoning gives it an irresistible balance of flavors. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or a dish that will keep you full, this bowl is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 medium/large sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 teaspoons olive or avocado oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)

• 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons water (if needed)

• 1 cup cottage cheese (Good Culture recommended)

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 4 teaspoons hot honey

• Hot sauce

• Pickled onions and/or hot and sweet jalapeños

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also cook them in an air fryer for a quicker option.

2. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, and if needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to moisten the beef.

3. Once the sweet potatoes are done, divide them evenly between four bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked ground beef. Spoon a generous amount of cottage cheese over each, then add chopped avocado. Drizzle hot honey over the top, and finish with hot sauce and optional pickled onions or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or tempeh to keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat.

• Sweet Potato Substitute: Try using other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots for a different flavor and texture.

• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt or a creamy hummus would make excellent alternatives.

• Spice Level: Adjust the hot honey and hot sauce according to your heat preference. You can even add diced jalapeños directly into the beef mixture for more spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooked beef, sweet potatoes, and toppings like cottage cheese and avocado in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and sweet potatoes in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh toppings like avocado and cottage cheese before serving to keep them fresh and creamy.

FAQs

1. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this bowl dairy-free, simply swap the cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work as a great lean substitute for the ground beef while still providing the protein boost.

3. Can I use an air fryer to cook the sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the taco seasoning for any hidden gluten if you’re using a pre-packaged version.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, you can incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños into the beef or drizzle extra hot sauce on top. You can also add red pepper flakes to the sweet potatoes while roasting for a spicy kick.

6. How do I make this recipe more filling?

To make it more filling, you can add a side of quinoa or rice to each bowl for extra fiber and carbs, or use a larger serving of beef.

7. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and beef ahead of time, and store them in the fridge for a few days. Assemble the bowls just before serving, adding the fresh toppings.

8. Can I freeze this recipe?

While the sweet potatoes and beef can be frozen separately, the cottage cheese and avocado should be added fresh when you’re ready to eat, as they don’t freeze well.

9. What kind of taco seasoning should I use?

Feel free to use your favorite taco seasoning, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. For a milder flavor, use a seasoning with less chili powder, or for a stronger kick, look for a spicy blend.

10. What can I use instead of hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can substitute it with regular honey and a splash of hot sauce to get the sweet and spicy effect.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl is a quick and versatile meal that’s bursting with flavors and packed with protein. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and filling in a short amount of time. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with variations, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!