Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl because it offers a wholesome balance of flavors and nutrients. The roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber, while the lean beef provides protein and iron. The cottage cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy kick, and the seasonings bring everything together for a flavorful meal. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be customized with your favorite toppings or veggies. This bowl is perfect for meal prepping, busy weekdays, or when you’re craving a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sweet potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the bowl:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, depending on preference)

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• 1 avocado, sliced (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Lime wedges (optional, for a tangy kick)

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

Directions

1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and slightly crispy on the edges, stirring halfway through.

2. Cook the beef: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.

3. Assemble the bowls: Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, divide them into bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the cooked beef and a scoop of cottage cheese.

4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with cooking time for the sweet potatoes and beef taking around 25-30 minutes. The total time is approximately 30-35 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option for busy nights.

Variations

• Add more veggies: Add sautéed spinach, kale, bell peppers, or onions to the bowl for more nutrients and flavor.

• Spicy version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

• Swap cottage cheese: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, try using Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian or plant-based protein option.

• Add a grain: For extra carbs, serve the bowl over cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous.

Storage/Reheating

This Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ingredients keep well when stored separately (i.e., keep the sweet potatoes, beef, and cottage cheese in separate containers) to prevent the cottage cheese from becoming too watery. To reheat, simply warm the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop, and then add fresh cottage cheese before serving.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives like lentils or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian version of this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the sweet potatoes, beef, and cottage cheese in advance and assemble the bowls when ready to eat. Store the ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the beef while cooking, or sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on top of the finished bowls.

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

Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a shredded cheese of your choice like cheddar or mozzarella.

5. How do I make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate. If they aren’t soft enough after 30 minutes, continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.

6. Can I freeze this meal?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat, then add the cottage cheese and fresh garnishes.

Conclusion

The Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this bowl is not only satisfying but also customizable to your tastes. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, and creamy cottage cheese offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this nourishing and wholesome bowl as part of your meal prep, or as a quick and delicious dinner!

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