This bowl is cozy, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s got everything: creamy cottage cheese, savory ground beef, and sweet roasted sweet potatoes. All in one bowl. It’s the kind of meal you can toss together on a weeknight and still feel like you made something special.
This is comfort food without being too heavy. You’ll love how all the ingredients work together—sweet, salty, creamy, and just the right textures. Let’s get into it!
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this on a chilly night when I wanted something quick but hearty. It became a regular meal fast. It’s super easy, uses basic ingredients, and it’s just satisfying every single time.
- Everything goes in one bowl—less cleanup
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein
- Roasted sweet potatoes bring out a natural sweetness that balances the beef
- It’s perfect for meal prep
- You can mix and match toppings based on what you have
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, hot sauce, red pepper flakes
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Pro Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes small and even so they roast quickly and evenly
- Don’t skip seasoning the beef—it makes all the difference
- Warm the cottage cheese slightly for an extra cozy bowl
- You can meal prep all components and store separately
- Add toppings like green onions, avocado, or even a soft egg
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if you prefer
- Try roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce
Make Ahead Tips
- Roast sweet potatoes ahead and store in fridge for up to 4 days
- Cook ground beef ahead and reheat with a splash of water
- Portion everything into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches
Servings + Time
Servings: 3 large bowls
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes with 1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Get the Cottage Cheese Ready
Measure out 1 ½ cups cottage cheese into a bowl. If you prefer, warm it slightly in the microwave for 30 seconds so it’s not cold.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
In a round bowl, add a scoop of roasted sweet potatoes, a scoop of seasoned ground beef, and a generous scoop of cottage cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley, a dash of paprika, or hot sauce if using.
Macros (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
Macros may vary slightly depending on brands used.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese gives you protein and creaminess without needing a sauce
- Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, which balances the salty beef
- Fat in the beef boosts flavor and helps the dish feel more filling
- Roasting the sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, making them extra delicious
Common Mistakes
- Cutting sweet potatoes too big—they won’t cook evenly
- Not seasoning the beef—it ends up tasting flat
- Serving cottage cheese straight from the fridge—it’s cold and doesn’t blend well with the warm bowl
- Skipping the garnish—it adds color and freshness
What to Serve With
- A side of steamed broccoli or green beans
- Toasted pita or flatbread on the side
- Fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for contrast
- A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
FAQ
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, but it will be thicker and less tangy.
Is this meal good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store ingredients separately and assemble when ready.
Can I freeze this?
You can freeze the beef and sweet potatoes, but not the cottage cheese. Add that fresh.
What kind of cottage cheese should I use?
Full-fat or low-fat both work. Just go for one you like the taste of!
Leftovers + Storage
- Store each component in a separate airtight container in the fridge
- Stays good for up to 4 days
- Reheat sweet potatoes and beef in microwave or skillet
- Add fresh cottage cheese when serving
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Beef Sweet Potato Bowl is proof that simple can be satisfying. It hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and protein-packed. It’s a solid go-to whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding someone else. Give it a try, then come back and tell me how it went! I’d love to hear your twist on it too.