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Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl Recipe

Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

A flavorful and nutritious Spicy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Protein Bowl featuring roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with aromatic spices and perfectly spiced lean ground beef. Topped with creamy cottage cheese, buttery avocado, hot honey drizzle, chili flakes, and green onions, this bowl balances sweet, smoky, and spicy notes for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sweet Potatoes:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (approximately 1.5 lbs)
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

For the Ground Beef:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • ¼ cup hot honey (or 2 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tsp chili flakes)
  • Chili flakes, to taste
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Use your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and edges are golden and slightly crispy. Avoid crowding the pan to prevent sogginess.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Reduce heat to medium, then add salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow spices to bloom and flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes and spiced ground beef evenly into meal prep containers or serving bowls. Top each with a scoop of cottage cheese, sliced avocado, a generous drizzle of hot honey, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and sliced green onions. For best flavor and texture, add avocado and honey just before serving if prepping ahead.

Notes

  • To make ahead, roast sweet potatoes and cook beef in advance; store separately and reheat before assembling. Add fresh toppings like avocado and hot honey just before eating.
  • To reduce spice for kids, omit chili flakes and halve chili powder in beef seasoning; serve honey plain for sweetness.
  • Ensure sweet potato cubes are approximately ¾-inch to avoid mushiness. Use two baking sheets if needed for even roasting.
  • Beef freezes well for up to 3 months; sweet potatoes are best refrigerated for up to 4 days rather than frozen.
  • For a plant-based option, substitute ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices.
  • Try creative twists like adding black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex vibe, or feta and olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy ground beef, sweet potato, protein bowl, roasted sweet potato recipe, healthy beef bowl, meal prep bowl, spicy protein bowl

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/spicy-ground-beef-and-sweet-potato-protein-bowl-recipe/