If you are looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and nutrition, you have to try this Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe. It combines tender roasted sweet potatoes, juicy spiced ground beef, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce that elevates every bite. This dish is vibrant, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an absolute favorite to whip up any day of the week. Plus, it’s packed with protein and wholesome ingredients that will keep you feeling fueled and happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to bring this bowl to life. Each component plays its part, from the earthy sweet potatoes and spiced beef to the creamy cottage cheese mixture and fresh greens that add a pop of color and crispness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds natural sweetness and a satisfying texture when roasted.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the sweet potatoes to a perfect caramelized finish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth to the ground beef.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the beef with a warm, aromatic taste.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a slight kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided: Used to season both the sweet potatoes and beef evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and sharpness.
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth: Helps deglaze the skillet and keep the beef juicy.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% milkfat): The creamy element that balances the robust flavors.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and extra creaminess to the cottage cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce or sriracha (optional): For a spicy punch in the creamy sauce if you desire.
- 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens: Adds a fresh, crisp base to the bowl.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild, sharp bite and color contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions: A fresh herbaceous finish to lift the flavors.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, half of the salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spreading them out ensures they roast evenly, turning tender on the inside with beautiful caramelized edges after about 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway for the perfect golden finish!
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet on medium-high and brown the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain excess grease if necessary, then add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, the remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir so every morsel of beef is coated in spice, then pour in water or beef broth to deglaze the pan. Simmer it down for a minute or two until the beef is juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce
In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and the optional hot sauce. Mix until the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency that adds an irresistible tangy note to the bowls. Taste it as you go and tweak with more lemon or salt if you like!
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Gather your fresh ingredients: thinly sliced red onions and chopped herbs like parsley or green onions. To build each bowl, start with a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens, then mound the caramelized sweet potatoes on top, followed by a generous serving of the seasoned ground beef. Dollop or drizzle the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the warm bowl and finish with red onion slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This layering of textures and flavors creates a balanced and scrumptious meal.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your bowls, add extra fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for an herbal brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can punch up the flavors too. Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts could add a delightful crunch!
Side Dishes
This bowl works perfectly as a complete meal on its own, but if you want some sides, consider a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and tomato salad to keep things fresh. Warm crusty bread or pita can be great for scooping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just make your meal feel special? Serve these bowls in rustic wooden bowls or colorful ceramic dishes. Layer the ingredients beautifully rather than mixing right away, so everyone can appreciate the colors and textures before enjoying the delicious combination. You could even serve the components separately for a build-your-own bowl party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep the creamy cottage cheese mixture separate if possible to preserve its texture, and add it fresh when reheating the rest of the bowl.
Freezing
The seasoned ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes freeze beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Pack them in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Cottage cheese and greens do not freeze well, so plan to add those fresh when you reheat and serve.
Reheating
Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add the creamy cottage cheese sauce just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. Toss in fresh greens at the last minute so they stay crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option, just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be milder, so you might want to adjust your spices slightly to boost the seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Cook everything ahead and store components separately as described, then assemble quickly when you’re ready to eat for a fast, nutritious meal during busy days.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
You can, but Greek yogurt will give a thicker and creamier consistency to the cottage cheese sauce. If you use regular yogurt, try straining it to remove some of the liquid or use a bit less to keep the sauce from becoming too runny.
What if I don’t have hot sauce or sriracha?
No worries at all! The hot sauce is optional and just adds a spicy kick. You can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you like some heat.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
While this dish centers on ground beef, you can swap it out for spiced cooked lentils or plant-based ground crumbles for a vegetarian version. The sweet potatoes and creamy cottage cheese sauce will still shine alongside those swaps.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about the Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe that makes it a true home-cooked winner. It’s a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. I promise, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals to nourish both body and soul. Give it a shot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cottage Cheese Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls are a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for a balanced dinner. Roasted sweet potatoes paired with spiced ground beef and a creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt sauce create a delicious combination packed with nutrients and satisfying textures. Fresh greens, red onion, and herbs complete this easy, nutritious bowl that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Ground Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
For the Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% milkfat)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce or sriracha (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly, then spread them out into a single, even layer.
- Roast sweet potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are tender inside and caramelized on the edges.
- Cook ground beef: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Season beef: Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary. Return the skillet to the heat and sprinkle the beef evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer beef with broth: Stir the spices into the beef well to coat it. Pour in the water or beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced, leaving the beef juicy and flavorful.
- Make cottage cheese sauce: In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and hot sauce if using. Stir together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with additional salt or lemon juice as desired.
- Prep garnishes: Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh parsley or green onions while the beef finishes cooking to have your toppings ready.
- Assemble bowls – greens: Place a handful of baby spinach or mixed greens into the bottom of each serving bowl as the base layer.
- Add sweet potatoes: Evenly divide the roasted sweet potatoes among the bowls, spooning them over the greens for a hearty layer.
- Add seasoned beef: Top each bowl with a generous portion of the spiced ground beef, layering it over the sweet potatoes.
- Add cottage cheese topping: Spoon dollops of the creamy cottage cheese mixture over the warm beef and sweet potatoes. Alternatively, drizzle it as a sauce to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with onion and herbs: Garnish each bowl with thin slices of red onion and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately. Toss everything together just before eating, so the creamy cottage cheese mixture coats the beef, sweet potatoes, and greens for a balanced and satisfying bite.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Adjust the level of heat by omitting or increasing the hot sauce or sriracha.
- Roasting sweet potatoes until caramelized enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
- The cottage cheese sauce adds creaminess and a protein boost while keeping the meal light.
- Feel free to swap baby spinach with other greens like kale or arugula.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve texture.

