Viral Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how balanced this bowl is—every bite has a little bit of everything. The sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, the beef adds richness, the cottage cheese makes it creamy and protein-packed, and the hot honey gives just the right kick. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that feels indulgent but fuels me for the day. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 small (or 1 large) sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Olive oil spray

For the Bowls:

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 avocado, cubed

• 1/2 tbsp hot honey

• Chili flakes, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: I peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then season with garlic powder, paprika, and salt. After spraying lightly with olive oil, I air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, until they’re golden and tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, and salt. I stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

3. Assemble the Bowls: I divide the roasted sweet potatoes and beef between two bowls. Then I top each with half an avocado, 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey. I finish with extra chili flakes if I want more heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings and takes just 30 minutes total:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and works well for meal prep too.

Variations

• Swap the protein: I sometimes use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles instead of beef.

• Change up the toppings: Greek yogurt, hummus, or tahini drizzle work as creamy alternatives to cottage cheese.

• Add greens: A handful of arugula, spinach, or kale makes this bowl even more nutritious.

• Different carbs: Quinoa, rice, or roasted butternut squash work in place of sweet potatoes.

• Extra crunch: A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds adds texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, I warm the sweet potatoes and beef in the microwave or skillet, then add the cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! I prep the sweet potatoes and beef ahead of time, then assemble the bowls fresh with cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey.

Can I roast the sweet potatoes in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Definitely. I roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What kind of cottage cheese works best?

I like using full-fat cottage cheese for creaminess, but low-fat or whipped cottage cheese works just as well.

Is hot honey necessary?

I think it makes the dish pop, but I sometimes substitute with regular honey plus a dash of cayenne or chili flakes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a protein-rich vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowls are a flavorful, filling, and trendy recipe that I find myself making again and again. They strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and they’re packed with protein to keep me satisfied. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for meals, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Print