Cottage Cheese Beef Bowl

This cottage cheese beef bowl is hearty, protein-packed, and full of balanced flavors. I love how the creamy cottage cheese pairs with savory ground beef, sweet potato, and fresh avocado for a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and filling. It’s a quick dish I often make when I want something nourishing without spending much time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and adaptable. The ground beef adds protein, the sweet potato brings natural sweetness, and the cottage cheese gives creaminess and extra nutrition. The avocado makes it fresh and rich, and when I drizzle hot sauce on top, it adds the perfect kick. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep since the components store well.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Hot sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). I toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender.
2. While the sweet potato roasts, I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess fat if needed.
3. I assemble the bowl by layering roasted sweet potato, seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, and diced avocado.
4. If I want extra flavor, I drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, so I can have it ready in around 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the sweet potato for roasted butternut squash or regular potatoes. I’ve also used ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For extra crunch, I add shredded lettuce or cucumber slices, and if I want more flavor, I season the beef with taco spices or soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store the beef and sweet potato separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them in the microwave or skillet and then assemble the bowl with fresh avocado and cottage cheese. I don’t store the avocado since it browns quickly, so I dice it fresh each time.

FAQs

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the beef and sweet potatoes ahead, then add the avocado and cottage cheese right before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish lighter.

Do I have to roast the sweet potatoes?

No, I can steam or sauté them, but roasting gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely, I often add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra greens.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep if I keep the components stored separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, full-fat works just as well and makes the bowl creamier.

What’s the best hot sauce for this recipe?

I like using a smoky hot sauce or sriracha, but any favorite hot sauce works.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I swap the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

I dice the avocado fresh before eating, or if I store it, I squeeze lemon or lime juice on top to slow browning.

Can I add grains to this bowl?

Yes, I sometimes add quinoa, brown rice, or farro to make it even more filling.

Conclusion

I love making this cottage cheese beef bowl because it’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. With its balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it keeps me full and energized. It’s a flexible recipe I can adapt with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings, making it a staple in my weekly meals.

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