Why Make This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. With sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, and the creamy coolness of cottage cheese, this dish ticks all the boxes. Plus, the addition of homemade hot honey provides a sweet-spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more. It’s an easy weeknight meal that can be prepped ahead and customized for each person at the table, making it perfect for families or meal-prepping enthusiasts.
How to Make Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
Making this delicious bowl is a straightforward process that requires minimal ingredients and time. You’ll start by roasting sweet potatoes for that caramelized flavor and a soft texture. Meanwhile, you’ll cook the ground beef with onion and garlic, infusing it with savory goodness. Assembling the bowl is the fun part—just layer everything together and drizzle on the hot honey for an irresistible finish!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total, peeled and diced into ¾-inch cubes)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or full-fat, kept chilled)
- 1/4 cup honey (for homemade hot honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes (adjust to taste, up to 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 medium avocado (sliced just before serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into ¾-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Toss the diced sweet potatoes in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 12-minute mark. They are done when fork-tender and golden brown at the edges with caramelized spots.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Season the beef with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes, starting with less and adjusting to your heat preference.
- To assemble the bowls, start with a base of roasted sweet potatoes, add a generous scoop of seasoned ground beef, top with ¼ cup of cold cottage cheese, drizzle with hot honey, and finish with fresh avocado slices. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 740mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 36g
How to Serve Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl is versatile and can be served for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a light salad for a complete meal or enjoy it alone for a hearty yet healthy option. You can also serve it family-style, allowing everyone to assemble their own bowls, adding more toppings like fresh herbs, nuts, or even pickled onions for a tangy twist.
How to Store Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also separate the components to keep the textures better—roasted sweet potatoes can be kept in one container, and the beef mixture in another.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
- Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Cut your sweet potatoes to a uniform size for even roasting. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this helps them caramelize beautifully.
- Beef Cooking Tip: Use lean ground beef to cut down on unnecessary fats, but if you prefer, you can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Taste your hot honey mix before drizzling it over the bowl. You can always add more spice if you like it hotter!
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for black beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein source.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach or kale with the beef for added nutrition and color.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or even a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
- Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt, ricotta, or even shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
- To make the recipe dairy-free, simply omit the cottage cheese and consider using dairy-free yogurt or a creamy avocado-based sauce as a topping.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
- You can use other root vegetables, like butternut squash or regular potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, zucchini or cauliflower rice can also work well.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic meal choice. The balance of sweet and spicy, creamy and savory, will make your taste buds dance. We encourage you to try making this dish at home, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!