Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s also surprisingly satisfying? Look no further than this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl! This recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, combining the savory richness of ground beef with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the creamy tang of cottage cheese. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, perfect for a weeknight Main dish or a healthy lunch. Imagine tender, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef bursting with flavor, and a dollop of creamy cottage cheese all nestled together in a bowl for a truly comforting and delicious experience. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl is ready in under an hour, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming.

Ground Beef, Sweet Potato, and Cottage Cheese Bowls

A hearty and healthy bowl recipe featuring savory ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and creamy cottage cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 Large sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1 cup Cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup Chopped onion
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss diced sweet potato with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• While sweet potato roasts, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook, breaking up the beef, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow spices to bloom.
• To assemble bowls, layer cooked sweet potato, ground beef mixture, and cottage cheese in individual bowls.
• Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream, or green onions.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keyword bowl recipe, cottage cheese, easy Main dish, ground beef, healthy recipe, quick meal, sweet potato

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another bowl; it’s a delicious and versatile masterpiece. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Speed and Simplicity: It’s a quick and easy meal, ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Fusion: The combination of savory ground beef, sweet sweet potatoes, and tangy cottage cheese creates a surprising and delicious flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: This bowl is packed with protein from the ground beef and cottage cheese, fiber from the sweet potato, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Customization Options: Feel free to customize your bowl with your favorite toppings! Shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream, and green onions are all excellent additions. The possibilities are endless!
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a wallet-friendly meal option.
• Dietary Flexibility: This recipe is easily adaptable to various dietary needs. You can easily substitute ingredients to make it gluten-free or adjust seasonings to fit your preferences. It’s a naturally low-carb and high-protein option as well.
• Leftover Potential: This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl also makes for fantastic leftovers! Enjoy it cold or quickly reheat it for a satisfying lunch the next day.

Why You Should Try This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:

• Unique Flavor Combination: This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional comfort food. It’s a surprising and delightful combination of flavors and textures that you won’t soon forget.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and protein into your diet. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium.
• Easy to Make: Even novice cooks can easily master this recipe. The steps are simple and straightforward, with minimal prep time involved.
• Versatile and Adaptable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and spices to create your own unique version.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef ahead of time and assemble the bowls just before serving.
• Satisfying and Filling: This bowl is incredibly satisfying and filling, keeping you full and energized for hours. It’s the perfect meal for those busy days when you need a quick and nutritious meal that will stick with you.
• Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a warm summer day, this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl is a delicious and satisfying option any time of year.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for a successful cooking experience. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: Choose your preferred type – lean, 80/20, or even a blend. The fat content will influence the flavor and richness of the dish. Consider using grass-fed beef for a healthier option. Keyword: Ground Beef
• 1 Large Sweet Potato (about 1 lb): Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. The size might vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keyword: Sweet Potato
• 1 Cup Cottage Cheese: Low-fat or full-fat, the choice is yours. Full-fat will provide a richer, creamier texture. Keyword: Cottage Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Onion: Yellow or white onion works well. Finely chopping the onion ensures even cooking and prevents large chunks from overpowering the dish. Keyword: Onion
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You could substitute with another neutral oil like avocado or canola oil. Keyword: Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Chili Powder: Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. Look for a good quality chili powder for the best flavor. Keyword: Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin: Ground cumin adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the beef. Keyword: Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder enhances the overall savory profile. Fresh garlic could be substituted. Keyword: Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is essential! Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Kosher salt is generally preferred for even seasoning. Keyword: Salt and Pepper
• Optional Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Consider using:
  • Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite blend)
  • Salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • Avocado (diced or sliced)
  • Sour Cream
  • Green Onions (chopped)

Utensils:

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the sweet potatoes.
• Large Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and onions.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping the sweet potatoes and combining the spices.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Potato Peeler: For peeling the sweet potato (optional, you can leave the skin on).
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion and sweet potato.
• Serving Bowls: To serve your delicious Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl!

Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the sweet potatoes roast evenly and become tender. Essential Step
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potato into roughly 1-inch cubes. Toss the diced sweet potato with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Tip: Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Tip: Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
4. Cook the Ground Beef: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5-7 minutes). Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
5. Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This will help reduce the fat content of the dish.
6. Season the Ground Beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and meld with the beef’s flavor. Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Assemble the Bowls: Layer the cooked sweet potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cottage cheese in individual bowls. Start with a base of sweet potato, followed by the seasoned beef, and top with a generous dollop of cottage cheese. Tip: You can vary the layering to suit your preference.
8. Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream, or green onions. Get creative and have fun with it! Tip: Adding a squeeze of lime juice adds a delightful zing.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and healthy Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl immediately!

Tips and Variations for Your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl

Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to personalize your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: If you prefer a sweeter bowl, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the ground beef mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option. Vegetarian? Substitute lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian bowl.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different types of cheese for your topping. Feta, goat cheese, or even a crumbled blue cheese would add a unique flavor dimension.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all your ingredients (including any pre-made toppings) are gluten-free.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy. Be sure to check for tenderness, and remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the ground beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help ensure even browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Your Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl is a nutritionally balanced meal. While exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., type of ground beef, fat content of cottage cheese), it generally offers a good source of:

• Protein: From the ground beef and cottage cheese, crucial for muscle building and repair.
• Fiber: Primarily from the sweet potato, promoting healthy digestion and regularity.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. Cottage cheese provides calcium and protein.
• Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats which are beneficial for heart health.

This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a low-carb diet. The high protein content helps with satiety, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods.

Remember to adjust portion sizes to meet your individual caloric needs and dietary goals. For more precise nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight Main dish or a healthy lunch. The combination of flavors and textures is truly unique, and the recipe is incredibly easy to customize to your liking. From adding extra spices to experimenting with different toppings, the possibilities are endless. This recipe offers a hearty and nutritious meal, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media and pin it to your Pinterest board for later. For more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to check out our other articles, such as our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole – another comforting and flavorful option! And for a lighter alternative, check out our Shrimp and Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa. Happy cooking!

Check out more delicious recipes on Pinterest!