This Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef dish is a tasty mix of hearty beef, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet potatoes. It’s comforting and perfect for a cozy meal!
Who knew cottage cheese could shine in a savory dish? I love serving this with a sprinkle of herbs on top. It’s a hit at my dinner table every time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: The star of this dish! Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and great texture. If you don’t have them on hand, you can substitute with butternut squash or even regular potatoes, though the flavor will vary a bit.
Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef to keep it healthier, but ground turkey or chicken works well as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try swapping it for lentils or black beans for protein.
Cottage Cheese: This adds a creamy element. If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt is a great substitute, adding similar creaminess with a tangy twist. You can also use ricotta if you want something a bit richer.
Spices: Feel free to adjust spices to your taste! If you love garlic, add more; if you’d like it milder, skip the cayenne. Smoked paprika is optional but gives a nice smoky flavor if you have it.
How Do You Get the Sweet Potatoes Just Right?
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes can elevate your dish! Here’s how to get that perfect texture and flavor:
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and optional spices to coat evenly.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer; overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Roast until golden and tender, about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway for even browning.
Trust me, the caramelization adds a depth of flavor you don’t want to miss!
Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato (about 2 cups diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so plan on roughly 40 minutes total. This includes roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the beef, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’d like. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and have slightly charred edges. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the beef with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors combine. Remove the skillet from heat when done.
4. Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
When the sweet potatoes are ready, gently mash half of them in the baking sheet to create a creamy base, while leaving the rest in chunks to add texture.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
In a bowl, start with the mashed and roasted sweet potatoes as the base. Next, layer the spiced beef on one side. Add a generous spoon of cottage cheese next to the beef and then top with avocado slices.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra paprika or chili powder if you like it spicier. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl!
This dish is not only hearty but also full of flavors, making it a wonderful meal option any day of the week!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lighter substitutes. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty, protein-packed dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to spice things up, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the beef while it cooks. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before serving can also add an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
You can prep the components ahead of time! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowl just before serving for the best texture.
