Why Make This Recipe
This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a complete experience! It combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory depth of ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and a zesty kick from hot honey. This viral TikTok recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that fuel your day.
How to Make Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes (2 medium): Rich in vitamins A and C, they add warmth and sweetness.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose lean ground beef for a healthier alternative, or swap it for ground turkey or veggie crumbles for a plant-based option.
- Onion (1 medium): Adds depth of flavor; shallots can be a great substitute.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Enhance the dish with crushed garlic or garlic powder for ease.
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): A creamy, protein-rich addition that complements the flavors. Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy twist.
- Hot Honey (¼ cup): This sweet and spicy drizzle is the showstopper. Make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or cayenne for a DIY version.
- Avocado (1, sliced): For a creamy finish; don’t hesitate to use guacamole as a substitute!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. This will ensure even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Spread the sweet potato cubes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Give them a toss halfway through for uniform roasting.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, finely chop the onion and add it to the pan, cooking until it’s translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, incorporate the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Create the Hot Honey Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix the honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Adjust to your heat preference!
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Once everything is cooked, start to build your Sweet Potato Beef Bowl. Layer your roasted sweet potatoes as the base, followed by the seasoned ground beef. Add a generous scoop of cottage cheese, a drizzle of hot honey, and top with sliced avocado.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
Serve the bowl warm, and enjoy it immediately. This dish is perfect for a filling lunch or a cozy dinner. You can even customize each bowl to fit individual tastes, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings.
How to Store Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
To store leftovers, place the components in separate airtight containers. Keep the sweet potatoes, ground beef, cottage cheese, and hot honey separate to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the sweet potatoes and beef, then assemble your bowl again.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
- To save time, you can use pre-cut sweet potatoes or frozen sweet potato cubes.
- If you like your bowl hotter, add more chili flakes or cayenne to the hot honey.
- Consider using different proteins like chicken or tofu for variety.
Variation
Swap out the ground beef for a different protein like turkey or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or any cheese of your choice, like feta or ricotta, if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
2. Is the hot honey necessary?
While it adds a unique flavor, you can skip it or reduce the amount based on your taste. You can also substitute it with regular honey or a sweet sauce if you prefer.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef in advance. Just store them in the fridge and combine them when you are ready to eat.
Sweet Potato Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Spread the sweet potato cubes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Finely chop the onion and add to the pan, cooking until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Adjust to your heat preference.
- Once everything is cooked, build your Sweet Potato Beef Bowl: layer roasted sweet potatoes as the base, followed by seasoned ground beef, a scoop of cottage cheese, drizzle hot honey, and top with sliced avocado.