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
Scale
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.
