When the craving for a hearty yet nutritious meal hits, the Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl has you covered. Packed with vibrant flavors and a hearty dose of protein, this dish keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Did you know that sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which can boost your immune system? Picture yourself digging into creamy cottage cheese topped with glistening slices of avocado, all drizzled with sweet hot honey—it’s a textural heaven that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl

Print Recipe

A hearty and nutritious bowl featuring spicy ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and avocados drizzled with hot honey.

Author: amanda-miller
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: High Protein

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1½ tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 pound lean ground beef
1½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cottage cheese
2 avocados, sliced
¼ cup hot honey
Chili flakes (for garnish)
Sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Toss to coat and roast for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.
While sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef, season with 1½ teaspoons salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes).
Once sweet potatoes are done, assemble the bowl by layering roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef, and doling out cottage cheese on top.
Add sliced avocado, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with chili flakes and green onions.

Notes

Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or use chickpeas for a lighter vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 675
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Why This Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl Never Fails

Let’s be real: life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy meals packed with flavor and nutrition. This Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl is a prime example of a recipe that ticks all the boxes, it’s quick to prepare, rich in nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that satisfies the whole family. Embrace the spices, and you’ll find that every bite becomes a celebration of comfort food made healthy, without compromising taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

For this robust meal, you’ll need the following:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1½ tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 pound lean ground beef
1½ teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cottage cheese
2 avocados, sliced
¼ cup hot honey
Chili flakes (for garnish)
Sliced green onions (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only colorful but also incredibly satisfying. Get ready to spice things up!

Step-by-Step Method

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this tantalizing bowl:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Toss to coat and roast for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender. Pro tip: Give them a little flip halfway through roasting for even browning!
While sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with 1½ teaspoons salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking up the meat well for even cooking. Remember to drain excess fat for a leaner dish!
Once sweet potatoes are done, assemble the bowl by layering roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef, and doling out cottage cheese on top. The cottage cheese adds creaminess that takes this to the next level!
Add sliced avocado, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with chili flakes and green onions. Optionally, sprinkle with feta for additional flavor. Trust me, the feta is a game-changer!

Balanced Bites

Here’s the nutritional breakdown of this delight:

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 675
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fat: 29g
Fiber: 12g

With a solid balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this meal is designed to keep you fueled throughout your day. Sweet potatoes provide antioxidants, while ground beef ensures you stay full and satisfied. Who said hearty meals couldn’t be healthy?

Perfect Pairings

This bowl can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with several accompaniments. Consider a side of spinach salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, artisan crusty bread or a side of spiced quinoa are both fantastic choices. Seasonal moments like family gatherings or cozy nights in are ideal for serving this dish.

Keep It Fresh

To ensure you enjoy every bite, store leftovers properly. Place any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water for moisture. Avoid overcooking—it’s best enjoyed warm, not steamy!

Pro Tips

Here are some expert insights to elevate your cooking:

For extra texture, consider adding crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chickpeas for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Try roasting the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangy kick.
Adjust the hot honey according to your heat preference; you can ease off for kids or add more for a fiery experience!

Flavor Experiments

The beauty of this dish is its versatility! Try out these variations:

Seasonal Twist: Incorporate roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash when they’re in season for an autumnal flair.
Gourmet Variation: Add a touch of truffle oil on the avocado, and maybe even a dollop of sun-dried tomato pesto for a gourmet touch.
Playful Option: Replace the sweet potatoes with crispy hash browns for a breakfast-for-dinner vibe—who says you can’t have fun with dinner?

Lessons from Past Flops

Every cook has a story, and here’s a short guide to avoid some common pitfalls:

Overcooking the sweet potatoes: You want them tender but not mushy! Keep an eye on them as each oven varies.
Bland beef: Ensure you season generously. Remember, flavor is key!
Soggy avocado: Wait to add sliced avocado until just before serving to maintain its texture and color.
Kitchen chaos: Prep your ingredients in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Forgetful garnishing: It may be tempting to skip the garnishes, but they bring the dish to life! Don’t skip those chili flakes and green onions.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

What to do with those pesky leftovers? Here are some inventive options:

Spicy Beef Tacos: Use the leftover beef as a taco filling with soft corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro and lime.
Savory Breakfast Scramble: Mix the components into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
Flavorful Soup Base: Blend the bowl ingredients with broth to create a warming soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Curious Cooks Ask

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the sweet potatoes and ground beef a day in advance. Just assemble the bowl right before serving.

What if I don’t have hot honey? You can use regular honey mixed with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for that sweet heat.

Is it possible to veganize this recipe? Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, and use a plant-based yogurt in place of cottage cheese.

How do I prevent sweet potatoes from browning? To minimize browning, cover cut sweet potatoes with water until you’re ready to use them, or sprinkle with lemon juice right after cutting.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and details, you’re ready to tackle the Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and embrace the cozy evenings ahead!