This viral cottage cheese sweet potato beef bowl is packed with protein and has the perfect balance of sweet, savory and spicy. It’s a satisfying dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes!
It might sound like an unusual combo, but trust me — this cottage cheese sweet potato beef bowl is 100% worth the hype. I kept seeing versions of this bowl all over TikTok and had to try it for myself.
Turns out, the mix of savory taco-seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey is absolutely delicious. It’s easily become one of my new favorite high-protein dinner recipes! I can’t wait for you to try this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This viral bowl lives up to the hype and might just become a weekly staple in your house.
- High in protein – Between the beef and cottage cheese, this meal is packed with satisfying protein.
- Loaded with flavor + texture – Creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory all in one.
- Quick & easy – Comes together in about 30 minutes with just one pan and a baking sheet.
- Meal prep friendly – Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef ahead of time so you can assemble on the fly all week.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need 10 simple ingredients to bring this ground beef cottage cheese sweet potato bowl to life. It’s a flavor-packed combo that’s surprisingly balanced and totally satisfying.
- sweet potatoes – roasted until perfectly tender and caramelized. These form the hearty, naturally sweet base of the bowl.
- olive or avocado oil – helps the sweet potatoes crisp up in the oven (or air fryer). Either oil works great here!
- sea salt, garlic powder + black pepper – simple seasonings that elevate the sweet potatoes without overpowering.
- lean ground beef – I used 90/10 ground beef, but use what you have. This adds a savory, protein-rich element.
- taco seasoning – brings warmth and flavor to the beef. Use store-bought or try my homemade taco seasoning.
- cottage cheese – adds a creamy, tangy element with a protein boost. I used full-fat Good Culture cottage cheese.
- avocado – for healthy fats and that creamy texture we all love. A little goes a long way!
- hot honey – the sweet and spicy drizzle that ties everything together.
- hot sauce – totally optional but great for an extra kick. I like Cholula or Siete brand.
- pickled onions + sweet and hot jalapeños – optional toppings that bring tang and crunch. Highly recommend if you have them!
Substitutions
This bowl is super customizable, so feel free to make it your own based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Protein swap: I love this with ground beef, but ground turkey works great if you’re looking for something a bit leaner. Want to keep it meatless? Try it with lentils or a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat.
- Cottage cheese alternative: If you’re not a cottage cheese fan, plain Greek yogurt makes a great creamy swap. There are also a few good dairy-free cottage cheese options out there like the ones from Good Culture or Kite Hill.
How to Make Beef Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Bowl
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Step 2: Spread sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Add taco seasoning and If needed, add a little water for extra moisture.
Step 4: Divide roasted sweet potatoes between two bowls. Top with cooked ground beef, then spoon cottage cheese over each bowl. Add avocado, hot sauce and a drizzle with hot honey and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips
Here are a few little tips to help you get the most out of this viral bowl and make it even easier to throw together.
- Use the air fryer: Want your sweet potatoes super crispy and done faster? Toss them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway. It’s my favorite lazy-girl method!
- Don’t overcook the beef: Cook the ground beef until just browned. If it gets too dry, add a splash of water after the taco seasoning to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Mix before eating: Trust me on this—once it’s all in the bowl, give everything a good stir before digging in. The combo of hot beef, cool cottage cheese, creamy avocado, and spicy-sweet toppings is chef’s kiss when mixed.
How to Store
If you’re planning to meal prep these bowls or store leftovers, here’s what to do:
Fridge: Store the cooked beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and toppings like cottage cheese and avocado in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly. They’ll keep for about 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Assemble the bowl fresh with cold cottage cheese, avocado, and your favorite toppings just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is such a great meal prep option. Just store the cooked components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat. You can even pack it in a divided meal prep container.
I love using full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor. Good Culture is my go-to brand—it’s creamy, high-protein, and has minimal ingredients.
Definitely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken will work if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well with taco seasoning.