Sweet Potato Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese
This sweet potato ground beef bowl with cottage cheese is an easy, high-protein meal made with roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey. It has the perfect combination of savory,…
This sweet potato ground beef bowl with cottage cheese is an easy, high-protein meal made with roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey. It has the perfect combination of savory, sweet, creamy, and spicy, and makes an easy lunch or dinner when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
I love a good beef protein bowl because it checks all the boxes for me: delicious, comforting, filling, and packed with protein. After a good gym session, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, satisfying high-protein meal that actually feels like comfort food. These protein bowls are the kind of meals I keep coming back to because they make getting enough protein feel easy while still giving me that cozy, satisfying dinner I’m craving.
Why This Sweet Potato Ground Beef Bowl Works
High in protein – The combination of lean ground beef and cottage cheese adds a generous amount of protein, making this bowl satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
Sweet and savory – The roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, while the smoky seasoned ground beef adds a savory, spiced flavor. Hot honey brings everything together with a little sweetness and heat.
Creamy without a heavy sauce – Cottage cheese and avocado add plenty of creaminess without needing a rich sauce. The hot honey adds just enough moisture and flavor to finish the bowl.
Easy to customize – Once you have the sweet potatoes and ground beef prepared, you can change up the toppings depending on what you have in the fridge.
Great for meal prep – Both the roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef can be prepared ahead of time, making this a practical high-protein meal for busy weekdays.
Ingredients You’ll Need and Variations
Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes so they roast at the same rate.
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef to keep this bowl high in protein while still giving the beef plenty of flavor. Ground turkey or ground chicken can also be used if you prefer.
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil helps the sweet potato roast beautifully and prevents the cut surface from drying out. It also helps the ground beef brown well.
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic, and black pepper give the beef a smoky, savory flavor. Add extra chili flakes if you like a little more heat.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds richness, depth, and a subtle sweetness to the ground beef. Cook it briefly with the garlic and spices before adding the beef stock to help bring out its flavor and create a more flavorful sauce.
Water/Beef Stock: Water works perfectly well for loosening the beef mixture, but beef stock adds another layer of savory flavor.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein to the bowl. If you don’t enjoy the texture of cottage cheese, blend it until smooth before serving. Greek yogurt makes a great substitute and will give the bowl a slightly tangier flavor.
Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy, fresh element that works really well with the warm seasoned beef and sweet potatoes. Add it just before serving for the best texture.
Hot Honey: Hot honey gives the bowl a sweet and spicy finish. You can adjust the amount to your taste or use regular honey if you prefer something milder.
How to Make This Sweet Potato Ground Beef Bowl
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Place the diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are completely tender and caramelized around the edges.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices.
3. Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste
Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has been incorporated into the beef.
4. Make the Beef Saucy
Pour in the water or beef stock and stir everything together. Let the beef simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has reduced and the beef is nicely coated in the flavorful sauce.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the roasted sweet potatoes between two bowls. Add the seasoned ground beef, followed by the cottage cheese and diced avocado. Drizzle each bowl with hot honey and finish with chili flakes. Serve immediately.
Macros & Nutrition Breakdown Per Serving
Based on a single serving and approximate ingredient amounts shown.
Servings: 1
Calories: 544kcal
Protein: 43g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used.
Meal Prep & Storage
Bake the sweet potatoes ahead: Sweet potatoes can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making this meal much quicker to assemble when you’re short on time.
Cook the beef ahead: The seasoned ground beef can be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Store the toppings separately: For the best texture, keep the cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey separate until you’re ready to eat.
Reheat before serving: Reheat the sweet potatoes and ground beef until hot, then add the cottage cheese and fresh avocado.
Meal prep portions: Divide the sweet potatoes and ground beef between two containers. Add the cottage cheese, avocado, hot honey, and chili flakes just before serving.
More High- Protein Recipes You’ll Love
High-Protein Chicken Tortilla Quiche
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Sweet Potato Ground Beef Bowl with Cottage Cheese
This sweet potato ground beef bowl with cottage cheese combines roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned lean ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey for an easy, high-protein lunch or dinner. It's flavorful, filling, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
For The Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For The Ground Beef
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup water/beef stock
For The Bowl
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into evenly sized cubes. Add the diced sweet potatoes to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Spread them out into a single layer, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender in the center and caramelized around the edges.
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices.
- Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in the water or beef stock and stir everything together. Let the beef simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the beef is coated in a flavorful sauce.
- Build the Bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potato cubes between two bowls. Add the seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, and diced avocado. Drizzle with hot honey and finish with chili flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sweet potatoes: Make sure your sweet potatoes are similar in size so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
Spice level: The chili flakes and hot honey can easily be adjusted depending on how spicy you like your bowls.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 544Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 1105mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 7gSugar: 13gProtein: 43g
Nutrition information on That Protein Life is estimated using online calculators and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. For the most accurate results, use a food scale and trusted calculator. This information is for general guidance only, please consult a professional for specific dietary needs. That Protein Life is not responsible for any discrepancies or outcomes.
