Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Protein-rich and filling — Ideal for active lifestyles or high-protein diets
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Fast and easy — Ready in just 30 minutes using simple steps and minimal equipment
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Flavor bomb — Sweet roasted potatoes, spiced beef, tangy cottage cheese, and hot honey deliver balanced, crave-worthy flavors
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Meal prep friendly — Make components ahead of time and assemble quickly when needed
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Flexible and customizable — Swap proteins, add veggies, or tailor toppings to your liking
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 medium/large sweet potatoes, cubed
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2 teaspoons olive or avocado oil
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
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1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
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2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning (to taste)
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2 tablespoons water (optional, for moisture)
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1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
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1 avocado, chopped
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4 teaspoons hot honey
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Hot sauce (optional)
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Pickled onions and/or hot and sweet jalapeños (optional toppings)
directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
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While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
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Stir in taco seasoning and water (if needed) to maintain moisture. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Assemble bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among four bowls. Top each with seasoned beef, cottage cheese, and chopped avocado.
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Drizzle with hot honey, add hot sauce or pickled toppings if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Yields: 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Protein options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives.
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Dairy-free: Use plain Greek yogurt or almond milk-based ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
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Extra veggies: Add sautéed spinach, kale, or steamed broccoli for a green boost.
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Spice it up: Use chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or spicy salsa for bolder heat.
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Low-carb version: Substitute sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower or butternut squash.
storage/reheating
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Refrigeration: Store components (beef, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, avocado) separately in airtight containers. Keeps well for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheating: Warm beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or stovetop. Add fresh toppings before serving.
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Meal prep tip: Assemble bowls only when ready to eat to maintain freshness and texture, especially for the avocado and cottage cheese.
FAQs
Can I meal prep this bowl for the week?
Yes! Just store components separately and assemble fresh for best texture and flavor.
What’s the best cottage cheese to use?
Full-fat cottage cheese (like Good Culture brand) works well for creaminess and flavor. Low-fat versions are fine too.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well with the taco seasoning.
How do I make the sweet potatoes crispier?
Use an air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway, or roast longer in the oven.
Is hot honey necessary?
It enhances the flavor with a sweet-spicy twist, but regular honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes also work.
What are good veggie additions?
Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers are great add-ins.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt (dairy-free if needed) or use almond-based ricotta.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Skip the hot sauce and hot honey — use plain honey or omit altogether for a milder bowl.
Can I freeze any part of this meal?
The cooked beef and roasted sweet potatoes freeze well. Thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh toppings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and hot sauce are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl isn’t just a viral trend — it’s a genuinely flavorful, filling, and protein-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re eating clean, looking for an easy dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this versatile bowl delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen.
