Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

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Hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor, the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl is a meal that checks all the boxes—comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious. With tender chunks of seasoned sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, every bite balances warmth and freshness. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef, while the cool, tangy topping adds a refreshing lift.

Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this bowl delivers a complete, well-rounded meal in one dish. It’s a protein-packed option that fuels you through the day without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add your favorite veggies, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or switch up the toppings for a fresh twist every time. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a make-ahead meal prep solution, this bowl fits the bill.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

This dish is as versatile as it is tasty. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to assemble, and offers a beautiful balance of nutrients—protein from the beef and cottage cheese, complex carbs from the sweet potatoes, and fiber from the veggies. The layered textures make every forkful exciting, and the vibrant colors will make you want to dig in before you even take a photo. It’s wholesome food that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl, a few key tools will make the process smoother and more efficient:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and allowing flavors to develop without overcrowding.
• Baking Sheet – Perfect for roasting sweet potatoes to get that caramelized, slightly crisp exterior.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife – Makes dicing sweet potatoes and chopping vegetables quicker and safer.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface to prep all your ingredients without slipping.
• Mixing Bowl – For tossing sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings before roasting.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups – Ensures seasoning balance, so no ingredient overpowers the dish.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – To break apart and stir ground beef as it cooks.

Having the right tools not only speeds up the cooking process but also improves the final texture and flavor of your dish.

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Preparation Tips

• Dice Evenly – Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting.
• Season Generously – Sweet potatoes and beef both benefit from bold seasoning; don’t be shy with spices.
• Hot Pan for Beef – Start with a hot skillet so the beef sears instead of steams.
• Stir Occasionally, Not Constantly – For sweet potatoes, stirring every 10 minutes while roasting helps them brown without breaking apart.
• Prep Veggies in Advance – Chop bell peppers or any added vegetables beforehand to make assembly quick.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – This prevents steaming and helps maintain caramelization on the sweet potatoes.

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Ingredients for this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Lean or 80/20, depending on your preference for richness.
• 2 medium sweet potatoes – Peeled and diced into small, even cubes.
• 1 cup bell peppers – Chopped (green, red, or a mix for extra color).
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For roasting the sweet potatoes.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds depth and a subtle smoky note.
• 1 tsp ground cumin – Enhances the savory flavor of the beef.
• 1 tsp chili powder – For a gentle heat and warmth.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Gives both sweet potatoes and beef extra flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – To taste, for seasoning throughout.
• 1 cup cottage cheese – For a creamy, protein-packed topping.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro – Chopped, for garnish.

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Step 1 – Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place diced sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, half the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.

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Step 2 – Cook the Ground Beef

While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with cumin, chili powder, the remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

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Step 3 – Sauté the Bell Peppers

In the same skillet (after cooking the beef), add chopped bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant. If you like more bite, keep them slightly crisp.

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Step 4 – Assemble the Bowls

Divide roasted sweet potatoes, cooked beef, and bell peppers evenly among serving bowls. Add a generous dollop of cottage cheese in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

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Step 5 – Serve

Enjoy warm as a complete meal, or portion into airtight containers for meal prep.

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Notes

• You can swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a tangier topping.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef while cooking.
• Roasting sweet potatoes on parchment paper makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent sticking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting Sweet Potatoes Too Large – Bigger chunks take longer to roast and may not cook through evenly.
• Skipping the Preheat – Starting with a cold oven will reduce caramelization on sweet potatoes.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet – Leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in softer, less flavorful potatoes.
• Overcooking the Beef – This will dry it out and make the texture crumbly rather than juicy.
• Forgetting to Season in Layers – Adding seasoning only at the end makes the flavors less developed; season sweet potatoes and beef separately.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl?

8 Recommendations

1. Steamed Broccoli – Adds fiber and a fresh crunch to balance the richness of the beef.
2. Garlic Green Beans – Lightly sautéed with olive oil and minced garlic for a quick side.
3. Avocado Slices – Brings creamy, healthy fats to complement the sweet potatoes.
4. Pickled Red Onions – Adds tangy brightness that cuts through savory flavors.
5. Simple Garden Salad – With a light vinaigrette to refresh the palate.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – For extra roasted veggie goodness.
7. Quinoa – Boosts protein and makes the bowl even more filling.
8. Homemade Cornbread – Adds a sweet, buttery side that pairs perfectly with chili-spiced beef.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For meal prep, keep the cottage cheese in a separate container and add it just before serving to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes, beef, and peppers in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the cold cottage cheese topping afterward for the best contrast in textures.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef and sweet potatoes (without cottage cheese) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works beautifully with the same spices.

2. How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt or avocado for creaminess.

3. Can I roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. Roast them up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge until ready to assemble.

4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep—store portions in containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

5. What other vegetables can I add?

Try zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted cauliflower for extra nutrients.

6. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild as written, but you can increase chili powder or add cayenne for more heat.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based version.

8. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

No, peeling is optional. If you leave the skin on, just scrub them well before dicing.

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Conclusion

The Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl is more than just a quick, satisfying meal—it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that’s easy to customize and fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. With its bold flavors, balanced nutrition, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the skillet or as part of your weekly meal prep, every bite delivers comfort and nourishment in equal measure.

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