This is one of those throw-it-together meals that still feels hearty, filling, and wholesome. You’ve got warm roasted sweet potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and some fresh toppings to pull it all together. It’s simple, balanced, and super satisfying. I started making this when I wanted something that felt like comfort food but was still healthy — and it quickly became a go-to weeknight bowl in my house.
Why I Love This Recipe
I threw this together one night with what I had in the fridge and ended up loving the combo. It’s now a meal I make almost weekly. Here’s why:
- It’s comforting and cozy but still super healthy
- It’s naturally gluten-free and high in protein
- Great for meal prep — everything holds up well in the fridge
- The mix of warm + cold, creamy + savory just hits every time
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup 4% fat cottage cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Servings + Time
Serves: 4
Cook time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions + Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Sub Greek yogurt for cottage cheese
- Add baby spinach or arugula on the bottom for extra greens
- Swap sweet potatoes for white potatoes or even quinoa
- Use cilantro instead of parsley
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife + cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Make Ahead Tips
- Roast sweet potatoes up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Cook ground beef ahead and reheat as needed.
- Chop toppings (avocado, tomatoes) just before serving for freshness.
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 peeled and diced medium sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound lean ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and cook 2 more minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
In each bowl, layer ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes, ¼ of the cooked ground beef, ¼ cup cottage cheese, ¼ diced avocado, a few halved cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle chopped parsley. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Serve the bowl warm, optionally with a slice of bread or side salad.
Leftovers + Storage
Store leftovers in separate containers: beef, sweet potatoes, and toppings all last up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat beef and potatoes before serving. Add fresh toppings just before eating.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sweet potatoes give you complex carbs and fiber, which help balance blood sugar and keep you full. Cottage cheese adds a punch of slow-digesting casein protein and creaminess that contrasts the savory beef. Roasting the potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, while browning the beef adds depth and umami flavor. It’s all about texture and balance.
Common Mistakes
- Not roasting the sweet potatoes long enough: They should be browned and tender.
- Overcooking the ground beef: Cook just until browned to keep it juicy.
- Skipping the seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika bring everything to life.
- Using low-fat or watery cottage cheese: Go for full-fat for the best texture and taste.
What to Serve With
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Toasted pita or warm whole-grain bread
- A drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha if you like heat
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative or try a dollop of hummus.
What other protein works instead of beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils work great.
Can I eat this cold?
Totally! It makes a delicious cold lunch too.
Can I roast the sweet potatoes in an air fryer?
Yep. Just lower the temp slightly and check for doneness around 15–18 minutes.
Wrap-Up
This bowl is one of those meals that tastes like comfort food but leaves you feeling good. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too. If you give it a try, drop a comment below and let me know how it went or ask anything — I’d love to hear from you!