Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Name: Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1/2 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 1 tsp olive oil; Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste; 1/2 tsp hot honey or chili honey

Published: November 8, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in Protein: With approximately 35g of protein per serving, this bowl is perfect for muscle recovery and satiety.
Easy to Prepare: The entire meal comes together in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes balances perfectly with the savory ground beef and creamy cottage cheese.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize your bowl by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Low-Carb Option: This recipe fits well into a low-carb diet while still being filling and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this delicious bowl.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef quickly while ensuring even cooking.
Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting sweet potatoes, allowing them to caramelize nicely.
Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients, especially when layering your bowl.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Sweet Potatoes

1/2 lb (225g) ground beef (lean preferred)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

For Toppings

1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup cottage cheese

Seasonings and Oil

1 tsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste

For Drizzling

1/2 tsp hot honey or chili honey

How to Make Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast at 400F (200C) for 25 minutes or until golden and soft.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.

Step 3: Assemble Bowl

In a mixing bowl, layer the roasted sweet potatoes first. Then add the cooked ground beef on top. Follow this with sliced avocado and finish off with a generous scoop of cottage cheese.

Step 4: Finish with a Drizzle

To elevate your dish, drizzle hot honey or chili honey over the cottage cheese. This adds an exciting sweet and spicy kick that ties all the flavors together.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Serves: 1

Enjoy your nourishing Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese!

How to Serve Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Serving the Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese is all about enhancing the flavors and textures. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences, making it a delightful meal at any time.

Add Fresh Herbs

Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor and color.

Include Extra Veggies

Spinach or Kale: Add some sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrients and a pop of green.

Pair with a Salad

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the bowl’s richness.

Top with Nuts or Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds or Walnuts: For crunch, sprinkle some seeds or chopped walnuts on top.

Serve with Whole Grain Bread

Whole Wheat Roll: A slice of whole grain bread can balance the meal and add fiber.

Enjoy with a Beverage

Herbal Iced Tea: Pair your bowl with a refreshing herbal iced tea for a complete dining experience.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

To elevate your Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese, consider these tips. They will enhance the flavors and make preparation easier.

Bold seasoning: Use generous amounts of salt, pepper, and spices to bring out the natural flavors in both the sweet potatoes and beef.
Optimal cooking temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding ground beef. This helps achieve that crispy texture.
Even roasting: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures they roast evenly and become perfectly tender.
Quality cottage cheese: Choose a brand of cottage cheese that you enjoy for its creaminess. It should complement the other ingredients well.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Pairing side dishes with your Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances the flavors of the bowl.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing serves as a nutritious side packed with protein.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a delicious contrast to creamy cottage cheese.
Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus adds smoky flavor and crunch, complementing the bowl nicely.
Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed can add volume without many calories.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs wonderfully, adding sweetness to offset savory notes in the bowl.
Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb cauliflower rice provides an excellent base for those looking to lower their carb intake further.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich chickpea salad adds texture and is easy to prepare ahead of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: If you leave sweet potatoes in the oven too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around 20 minutes.
Not Seasoning the Beef Properly: Ground beef needs seasoning to elevate its flavor. Don’t skip adding salt, pepper, and spices; taste as you cook!
Skipping the Drizzle: The chili honey adds a unique flavor profile. Without it, the bowl may taste one-dimensional. Don’t forget this crucial step.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a difference. Opt for ripe avocados and fresh spices for the best flavor.
Assembling Too Early: If you prepare your bowl in advance, ingredients can get soggy. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep components separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Label containers with dates to track freshness.

Reheating Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover; heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main protein source in the Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese?
The main protein source is lean ground beef, complemented by cottage cheese for added protein.

Can I customize my Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap out proteins or add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

How do I make this bowl vegetarian?
You can replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and use plant-based cottage cheese.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet Potato & Ground Beef Protein Bowl with Cottage Cheese combines flavors and textures that make it satisfying and nutritious. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your preferences—feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins. Give this recipe a try for a hearty meal that fuels your day!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card