Viral Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its harmonious blend of savory and sweet elements. The crispy sweet potatoes bring a comforting texture, while the ground beef is seasoned perfectly with spices that add just the right amount of heat. Topped with creamy cottage cheese and avocado, then drizzled with spicy hot honey, each bite is a flavorful experience. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is the perfect dish for busy days or meal prepping.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 small (or 1 large) sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Olive oil spray

For the Bowls:

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 avocado, cubed

• 1/2 tbsp hot honey

• Chili flakes to taste

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Season them with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt. Lightly spray with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden and tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and slightly browned.

3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked sweet potatoes and ground beef evenly between two bowls. Add half of the cubed avocado to each, and top each bowl with 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle chili flakes to taste.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: For extra freshness, add a handful of spinach or arugula to each bowl.

• Swap meats: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option.

• Spicy kick: Increase the chili flakes or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for more heat.

• Vegan option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, and use a dairy-free cottage cheese for a vegan-friendly twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the sweet potatoes and ground beef in a microwave or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. For the cottage cheese and avocado, add them fresh when assembling or after reheating.

FAQs

1. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can increase the chili flakes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or drizzle more hot honey.

2. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato cubes. However, make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may require slightly longer in the air fryer.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

4. How do I make this dish lower in calories?

To lower the calories, use lean ground turkey or chicken, and opt for reduced-fat cottage cheese.

5. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

6. What’s a good alternative to cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative.

7. Can I add a sauce to this recipe?

Absolutely! A drizzle of your favorite sauce, like BBQ sauce, ranch, or a tangy yogurt-based dressing, can complement the flavors of this dish.

8. How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting soggy?

Make sure to spray the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer or on a baking sheet to allow them to crisp up.

9. Can I use ground beef with a higher fat content?

Yes, you can, but make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

10. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store the components separately to keep the ingredients fresh and assemble the bowls as needed.

Conclusion

Viral Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowls are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep solution, this recipe is easy to make, high in protein, and perfect for anyone craving a delicious, balanced dish.