Name: Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or sliced beef strips; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 2 tablespoons hot honey (or honey + cayenne); 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 2 green onions, sliced; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this bowl because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy. The roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and heartiness, while the beef is richly seasoned and comforting. A scoop of cool cottage cheese and that kick of hot honey bring it all together in a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or sliced beef strips)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne)
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

directions

I begin by preheating the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). I toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. I roast them for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and lightly golden.

While the sweet potatoes roast, I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles if I’m using ground beef. I drain any excess fat if needed.

Next, I push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the onion and garlic to the other. I sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

I stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.

Then I mix in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring to evenly coat the beef and onions. I remove the skillet from the heat.

To assemble the bowls, I divide the roasted sweet potatoes and beef mixture among serving bowls. I drizzle each bowl with hot honey.

I add a scoop of cottage cheese to each and garnish with green onions and parsley or cilantro. I serve them warm and comforting.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. I also add roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli for extra veggies. A sprinkle of feta instead of cottage cheese gives it a tangy twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in individual containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave the bowl for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. I add the cottage cheese and drizzle with fresh hot honey after reheating to keep the textures just right.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I often swap in ground turkey for a leaner version—it still tastes great with the same seasonings.

What’s a good substitute for hot honey?

I mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes. Sriracha honey is another good option.

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Definitely. I use lentils or a plant-based ground instead of beef, and it still packs plenty of flavor.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, I prep the sweet potatoes and beef in advance and store them separately. I assemble with cottage cheese and toppings just before eating.

What type of cottage cheese works best?

I prefer low-fat cottage cheese for a good balance of creaminess and lightness, but any kind works depending on your texture preference.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Hot Honey and Cottage Cheese is my go-to for comfort food that doesn’t weigh me down. It’s balanced, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—and it always hits the spot whether I’m meal-prepping or cooking fresh.