Welcome to your new favorite meal! This high-protein ground beef bowl is a viral sensation for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with satisfying protein, and perfect for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet flavor-packed recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Bowl
This versatile ground beef bowl quickly becomes a household staple. Here’s why it’s so popular:
- Packed with Protein: It keeps you full and energized thanks to a generous protein content.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: A perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is short.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items for amazing, delicious flavors.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: An ideal choice for a fast and satisfying meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Easily prepare ahead for healthy lunches throughout the week.
- Customizable: Adapt it to suit your taste and whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to create this fantastic ground beef bowl:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 Large sweet potatoes
- 1 large avocado, or 2 medium
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (or avocado oil)
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1.3 ounces taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons hot honey, divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes, optional, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have available. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Feel free to use avocado oil or any high-heat cooking oil instead of olive oil. If cottage cheese isn’t your preference, try Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or even crumbled feta for a different creamy texture. For a milder flavor, use regular honey instead of hot honey, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools for this simple recipe:
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step directions to create your delicious ground beef bowl:
- Preheat and Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Peel and chop the two large sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch cubes. Place them on the prepared sheet pan, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use your hands to toss the sweet potatoes until they are evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Bake the seasoned sweet potatoes for 18-20 minutes, or until they are tender, slightly caramelized, and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound lean ground beef to the pan and sear, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the 1.3 ounces of taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of the hot honey to the seasoned beef and mix well. If your beef appears too dry (which can happen with very lean ground beef), you can add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to moisten it. This keeps the ground beef bowl juicy and flavorful.
- Assemble the Bowls: Once the sweet potatoes are done, it’s time to build your bowls. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among four serving bowls. Add a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef to each bowl. Top each serving with 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese and 1/4 of the sliced or diced avocado.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the assembled bowls with the remaining hot honey. If you enjoy a little extra kick, sprinkle with red chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant and satisfying high-protein ground beef bowl!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips. For crispier sweet potatoes, ensure they are in a single layer on the sheet pan and avoid overcrowding. Don’t be afraid to adjust the taco seasoning and hot honey to your taste; some prefer more spice, others less. To ensure a perfectly ripe avocado, choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure. If your ground beef appears dry, a splash of water or broth during cooking can help maintain moisture, especially with leaner cuts. For a quicker prep, you can buy pre-chopped sweet potatoes or use pre-made taco seasoning packets.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ground beef bowl offers many options for serving, storage, and customization.
Serving Suggestions
Present your bowls beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A squeeze of lime juice brightens all the flavors. Serve this as a stand-alone meal, or pair it with a simple side salad for added greens.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s best to add fresh avocado and cottage cheese just before serving, as they don’t store or reheat as well. You can freeze the cooked ground beef for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your ground beef bowl! Try adding different roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli florets. Experiment with other seasonings such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin for a different flavor profile. Instead of cottage cheese, try crumbled goat cheese or shredded cheddar. Top with crunchy tortilla strips or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutrition
This flavorful ground beef bowl provides a balanced and satisfying meal. The sweet potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the lean ground beef and cottage cheese are excellent sources of protein. Avocado contributes healthy fats.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 595 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 1406 mg |
| Potassium | 1357 mg |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
| Vitamin A | 25164 IU |
| Vitamin C | 14 mg |
| Calcium | 144 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
FAQ
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What type of ground beef is best? Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) works well to minimize grease, but any fat content will do. Just drain excess fat before seasoning.
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Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time? Absolutely! Cook the sweet potatoes and ground beef in advance, then store them separately. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture.
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How long do leftovers stay fresh? When stored properly in airtight containers, the cooked components remain fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add fresh avocado and cottage cheese when you’re ready to eat.
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What are good low-carb alternatives? Replace sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carb version. You can also serve the ground beef bowl over a bed of cauliflower rice.
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Can I make this spicier or milder? Adjust the amount of hot honey and red chili flakes to your preference for heat. For a milder version, use regular honey and omit the chili flakes.
Conclusion
This high-protein ground beef bowl is truly a game-changer for quick, healthy meals. Its delicious blend of savory beef, sweet potatoes, and creamy cottage cheese makes it an irresistible option for any day of the week. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a satisfying dish. Give this amazing ground beef bowl a try and share your creations!
High-protein diets have been shown to offer benefits like increased satiety and weight management, according to various health resources. This high-protein ground beef bowl is truly a game-changer for quick, healthy meals. Its delicious blend of savory beef, sweet potatoes, and creamy cottage cheese makes it an irresistible option for any day of the week. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a satisfying dish. Give this amazing ground beef bowl a try and share your creations!
To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
High-Protein Ground Beef Bowl: Your Next Viral Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Peel and chop the two large sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch cubes, then place them on the sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with your hands to combine, then bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and fully cooked.
- While the sweet potatoes bake, cook the lean ground beef in a pan with olive oil for 2-3 minutes until it is no longer pink. Stir in the 1.3 ounces of taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then add a tablespoon of hot honey and mix well. If desired, you can add a bit of water or broth if the beef seems too dry.
- Assemble each bowl by combining the roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, an equal portion of the avocado, and 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese.
- Finish by drizzling with more hot honey and garnishing with red chili flakes if you prefer, then serve immediately and enjoy.
