Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls

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This hearty and colorful bowl is the perfect fusion of comfort food and wholesome eating. The savory ground beef is perfectly seasoned and browned, adding rich depth, while the roasted sweet potatoes provide a slightly sweet, caramelized contrast. Topped with creamy cottage cheese, fresh jalapeños, and buttery avocado slices, every bite is a flavorful mix of texture and balance.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner idea that checks all the boxes, this bowl delivers on both nutrition and satisfaction. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s the kind of easy recipe that fits right into breakfast ideas, lunch meal preps, or even cozy dinner nights. It’s simple to assemble, endlessly customizable, and makes clean eating something to actually look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe

• A high-protein, low-fuss meal that’s incredibly satisfying
• Great for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners
• Balanced with healthy fats, lean protein, and complex carbs
• Customizable with different toppings or spices
• Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different diets

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: For browning the ground beef evenly and getting that beautiful sear.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for roasting the sweet potatoes to golden, caramelized perfection.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing sweet potatoes and slicing avocado or jalapeños.
• Mixing Bowl (Optional): Helpful if you want to season your sweet potatoes before roasting.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it cooks.

Each tool plays an important role in making this meal seamless. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in sweet potatoes, while a proper skillet ensures the beef isn’t steamed but browned. Using a good knife makes prep quick and safe.

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Preparation Tips

To save time, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get a good sear, and don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary. For the cottage cheese, use full-fat for a creamier texture. Want extra heat? Leave some jalapeño seeds in. And don’t skip seasoning each element separately—layered seasoning is what makes this bowl sing.

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Ingredients for this Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean, 90/10)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, based on preference)
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced thin (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
• Optional: Lime wedges, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro for topping

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Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and tender.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

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Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Toppings

Slice the avocado and jalapeño, and chop green onions or chives. Keep cottage cheese chilled until ready to serve. If you like your toppings warm, you can leave the avocado out for a few minutes to reach room temperature.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the roasted sweet potatoes into serving bowls. Add a generous scoop of ground beef, a spoonful of cottage cheese, a few avocado slices, and jalapeño rounds. Sprinkle green onions or chives on top. Add optional garnishes like lime juice, hot sauce, or chopped cilantro for extra flair.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm. These bowls are great on their own or paired with a side salad, tortilla chips, or a warm corn tortilla for a hearty, balanced meal.

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Notes

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can switch the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even use lentils or tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a different cheese, try crumbled feta or shredded cheddar as alternatives to cottage cheese. Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the savory and spicy elements in the bowl. Make sure each component is seasoned well on its own, and you’ll have a dish that feels cohesive and flavorful.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning your components will lead to a bland bowl. Season each ingredient individually.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: This can cause your sweet potatoes to steam instead of roast. Spread them out in a single layer.
• Not draining the ground beef: If your beef is too greasy, it will affect the final texture and flavor.
• Using underripe avocados: They’ll be firm and not give you that creamy texture you want.
• Overcooking the beef: Dried-out beef loses its juiciness and flavor. Cook just until done.

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Storage Instructions

Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Sweet potatoes and beef can be reheated in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Keep the avocado fresh by slicing it only when ready to eat. Cottage cheese should remain refrigerated and served cold. These bowls are great for meal prep when stored this way.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works beautifully in this recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Leave the seeds in the jalapeños, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef while cooking.

Is cottage cheese a good source of protein?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese is high in protein and adds a creamy contrast to the dish.

Can I roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, they can be roasted up to 4 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What other toppings can I add?

Sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, corn, black beans, or a drizzle of Greek yogurt-based sauce would all be great additions.

Can I freeze this bowl?

The ground beef and sweet potatoes freeze well. Avoid freezing avocado and cottage cheese, as they don’t thaw well.

Is this dish low-carb?

Not exactly. Sweet potatoes add natural carbs, but you can reduce the portion or sub in roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb option.

How do I keep avocados from browning?

Brush the cut surface with lemon or lime juice and store in an airtight container with the pit.

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Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls are a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal you can enjoy any time of day. It’s a wholesome combination of flavors and textures that satisfies cravings while fueling your body. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner, this recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Make it your own with different toppings or proteins, and keep it in your rotation for easy, nourishing meals.

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