After a long day at the bakery, I was craving something quick, comforting, and filling. With just ground beef, sweet potatoes, and cottage cheese in my kitchen, I decided to whip them up into a hearty dinner. This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl was born from that craving, and it instantly became a weeknight hero.
This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl brings together lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices, sweet roasted potatoes, and creamy cottage cheese for a meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy yet flavorful. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this bowl will definitely hit the spot. If you’re in the mood for another creative way to use cottage cheese, check out my Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Flatbread—it’s another delicious option that’s sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These
A ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl is the perfect one-dish wonder that makes dinner both easy and delicious. With lean ground beef and creamy cottage cheese, this meal is packed with protein, giving you a satisfying and balanced option for any night of the week. Roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness, while taco seasoning brings a warm, savory kick that ties everything together.
This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl also stands out for its incredible versatility. Top it with fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of hot honey to bring out even more flavors. If you like a little heat, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy boost. What’s more, this bowl is easy to prep with simple pantry staples and comes together quickly in the oven or air fryer. It’s the ideal dinner when you’re short on time but craving something hearty, filling, and delicious.
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Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl: A Satisfying, Protein-Packed Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl brings together taco-seasoned ground beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh toppings like avocado for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups cottage cheese
1–2 avocados, sliced
1 lb lean ground beef, or ground chicken/turkey
1 packet taco seasoning, ~3 tbsp, I prefer Siete
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2–1 cup cilantro, chopped
hot honey, for drizzling
optional: jalapeños, red pepper flakes, squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
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Prepare roasted sweet potatoes. You can use the air fryer or oven:
-Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes in 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Add sweet potatoes to the air fryer basket and air fry for about 12-15 minutes until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
-Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes in 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Add sweet potatoes to a parchment-lined or oiled baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
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While potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Add lean ground beef and taco seasoning. Break meat apart as it cooks and continue cooking on medium heat for about 7-10 minutes or completely cooked through (no pink).
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Assemble bowls: Add ¼ of the ground beef, ¼ of sweet potatoes, ½ cup of cottage cheese, ¼ – ½ avocado slices, and cilantro. Drizzle with hot honey and red pepper flakes to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled) if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste or swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add toppings like sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor. This bowl is also great for meal prep—just store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed. Pair with a simple green salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sodium: 1470mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 38g
Ingredients
This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl uses simple, affordable ingredients that come together in a snap. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Just a couple of tablespoons help roast the sweet potatoes and cook the ground beef.
- Lean ground beef: About 1 pound makes this dish hearty and protein-rich. You can also swap it for ground chicken or turkey.
- Taco seasoning: Adds that warm, smoky flavor that ties the bowl together—store-bought or homemade both work.
- Sweet potatoes: Two peeled and diced sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a fiber boost.
- Cottage cheese: The star of the bowl! Creamy and protein-packed, it’s a satisfying addition to each bite.
- Avocados, cilantro, and optional toppings: Fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and hot honey add extra flavor and color. Don’t forget the optional jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or lime juice if you’re craving a little extra kick.
With just these pantry and fridge staples, you’re all set to make a ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl that’s budget-friendly and absolutely delicious.
How to Make a Viral Ground Beef Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl
Making this ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl is easy and fast—perfect for busy nights. Start by preparing the sweet potatoes: toss diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Roast them in the oven at 425°F for 25-35 minutes or in the air fryer at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until they’re tender and golden.
While the sweet potatoes roast, pour a little olive oil into a skillet and set it on medium heat until it’s hot enough to sizzle. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, and break the meat apart as it browns. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining—about 7-10 minutes.
Now it’s time to build the bowl: divide the sweet potatoes, ground beef, and cottage cheese between bowls. Top each with avocado slices, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick. Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
This ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl is sure to become a viral hit in your own kitchen!
Sweet Potato and Cottage Cheese: A Powerhouse Pairing
When it comes to building a balanced, flavorful meal, sweet potatoes and cottage cheese are an unbeatable team. In this ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl, sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness, earthy notes, and a boost of fiber that keeps you full and satisfied. Roasting them enhances their caramelized edges, adding depth and a hint of crispness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cool cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese isn’t just for breakfast or snacks—it’s a protein-packed ingredient that transforms this bowl into a complete, filling dinner. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect base to soak up the seasoned ground beef and warm spices, adding a creamy, satisfying texture to every bite.
This combination is more than just tasty—it’s nutritious too. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, while cottage cheese provides calcium and protein to keep you feeling strong. Together, they turn an ordinary dinner into a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition that your family will love.
Variations and Sides for This Bowl
One of the best things about a ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl is how easy it is to customize. If you’re looking to switch things up, try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also mix up the spices—think chili powder, cumin, or even a smoky barbecue seasoning for a different twist.
If you love toppings, this bowl is a canvas. Add sliced radishes for crunch, shredded cheese for extra creaminess, or even a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner vibe. The possibilities are endless!
Wondering what to serve on the side? A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the bowl. Cornbread or warm tortillas are also great for scooping up every last bite. If you’re meal prepping, pack individual containers of the ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl for a grab-and-go lunch that stays delicious throughout the week. Looking for a sweet treat after dinner? Try my Cottage Cheese Berries Ice Cream for a healthy dessert option.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and easy on your wallet, this ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl is the answer. With seasoned ground beef, sweet roasted potatoes, and creamy cottage cheese, each bite is warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The beauty of this bowl is that it’s flexible—top it with avocado, herbs, or a drizzle of hot honey to make it your own. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this bowl is sure to please everyone at the table. If you’re in the mood for more savory cottage cheese recipes, don’t miss my Keto Cottage Cheese Egg Pizza Crust—it’s another family favorite!
FAQs
Are sweet potato and cottage cheese healthy?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting your immune system and overall well-being. Cottage cheese offers protein and calcium, making it a nutritious and satisfying addition to meals like this ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl.
How do you make a viral beef sweet potato and cottage cheese bowl?
To make a ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl that stands out, focus on bold flavors and a colorful presentation. Season the ground beef generously, roast the sweet potatoes until golden, and layer everything in a bowl. Top it off with vibrant extras like avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of honey to make it eye-catching and irresistible.
Does ground beef go with sweet potatoes?
Definitely! The savory, seasoned ground beef perfectly complements the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes in a ground beef sweet potato cottage cheese bowl, creating a balanced and flavorful meal that’s sure to please.
What goes with sweet potato and cottage cheese?
Sweet potatoes and cottage cheese work beautifully together in many dishes. They pair well with lean ground beef, creamy avocado, fresh herbs like cilantro, and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory kick. For extra variety, add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of lime juice to boost the flavor.