Description
This Viral Beef, Sweet Potato and Cottage Cheese Protein Bowl is a wholesome, flavorful dish combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, spiced ground beef with black beans and spinach, creamy smashed avocado, and seasoned cottage cheese. Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, it's a perfect balanced meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Smashed Avocado
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 lime, juiced
- A handful of cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Seasoned Cottage Cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- A handful of cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
Spiced Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can black beans (400g/15oz), drained
- A handful of spinach leaves
Toppings
- Hot honey sauce, to drizzle
- Pickled jalapenos, as desired
- A handful of cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes and spread them out on a baking dish or a lined oven tray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until they are lightly charred on the outside and easily pierced with a knife. Alternatively, you can air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
- Make the smashed avocado: In a small bowl, scoop out the flesh of the ripe avocado. Add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until creamy but still slightly chunky. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then set aside.
- Season the cottage cheese: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with chopped cilantro and ranch seasoning. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the spices: Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add crushed garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and salt. Stir and cook the spices for about a minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the spiced oil and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and any released moisture has evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes. Then add the drained black beans and spinach leaves, stirring until the spinach wilts. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly among four bowls or plates. Top each with a portion of the spiced beef mixture, a dollop of smashed avocado, and a scoop of seasoned cottage cheese. Drizzle with hot honey sauce, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and pickled jalapenos as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas depending on preference.
- For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or fresh jalapeño along with the pickled jalapenos.
- If you prefer dairy-free, swap cottage cheese for a vegan yogurt or omit altogether.
- The dish can be prepped ahead by roasting sweet potatoes and cooking beef mixture separately; assemble just before eating.
- Air frying sweet potatoes reduces cooking time and adds extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American