Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl

Packed with protein and full of flavor, this Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl is a perfect meal for meal prep or a satisfying dinner. With the sweet heat of hot honey, creamy avocado, and roasted sweet potatoes, it’s a wholesome, tasty dish you can make in 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl is a protein-packed and nutrient-rich dish that’s as delicious as it is quick to prepare. The combination of tender ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and roasted sweet potatoes creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The touch of hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick, while the avocado provides a creamy contrast. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a nourishing bowl to fuel your day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

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

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Beef:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 red onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving:

• ¾ cup cottage cheese

• Hot honey

• Avocado

• Red pepper flakes

Directions

Roast or Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (if using an air fryer, no need to preheat).

2. In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Transfer to the air fryer basket, or spread onto a rimmed baking sheet. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until tender and slightly browned at the edges. Alternatively, roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Brown the Beef:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

2. Once hot, add ground beef, onion, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.

Assemble the Bowls:

1. Create a bed of sweet potatoes on each plate.

2. Top with a scoop of the cooked beef, a generous scoop of cottage cheese, sliced avocado, a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

3. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For the sweet potatoes, you may want to warm them in the oven to regain their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.

2. Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast or air fry the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

3. Can I add more vegetables to this bowl?

Absolutely! You can add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale for more texture and nutrition.

4. How can I make this bowl spicier?

If you want more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture or drizzle more hot honey on top.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cheese or a plant-based yogurt.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with other creamy cheeses like ricotta, Greek yogurt, or even sour cream if you prefer.

7. How do I make this meal lower-carb?

To make this dish lower in carbs, you can substitute the sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice or another low-carb vegetable.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance for meal prep?

Yes, this bowl is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the sweet potatoes and beef ahead of time, then assemble the bowls with cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey when ready to serve.

9. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

You can use frozen sweet potato cubes, but the texture may differ slightly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

10. Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based protein such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl is a well-balanced, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With the savory ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and a touch of heat from the hot honey, this bowl is a comforting and wholesome meal that’s easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for busy nights and satisfying cravings.

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