This Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef dish is a fun twist on comfort food! The soft sweet potatoes pair perfectly with seasoned beef, while the cottage cheese adds a creamy touch.
You know what’s great? It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love how quick it is to make, perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and filling. Can’t wait for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Their sweetness complements the beef nicely. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a similar texture and sweetness.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef, but turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you want a lighter option. Plant-based ground meat can also work for a vegetarian twist!
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess without too much fat. If you’re not a fan, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a similar texture and taste. You can also use ricotta cheese for a richer addition.
Spices: I stick with garlic and onion powders for flavor, but fresh garlic and onion can be used too. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder or even some cayenne!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes takes a bit of technique to get them crispy and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Make sure to cut them into even 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—this helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
- Give them a good toss with oil and seasonings; this promotes flavor.
- Flip halfway through cooking to ensure nice browning on all sides.
With just a little attention, your sweet potatoes will come out perfectly caramelized and delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Eggs?
Fried eggs are simple, but timing is key to achieve that perfect runny yolk. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a non-stick skillet and a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook them on medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the whites while the yolk remains runny.
- Cover the skillet with a lid for a minute if you want to cook the whites completely without flipping.
This method makes it easy to achieve that ideal runny yolk that adds richness to your bowl!
How to Make a Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl with Fried Egg
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 lb ground beef
Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for beef and eggs)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal for any night. You’ll spend 25-30 minutes roasting the sweet potatoes, while cooking the beef and eggs at the same time. It’s simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, and roast for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through, until they are tender and have a lovely golden color.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a little cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and break it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, the rest of the smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, take it off the heat and set aside.
3. Fry the Eggs:
In a clean skillet, add more oil if needed and crack the eggs into the skillet. Fry them over medium-low heat until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer your yolks cooked differently, feel free to cook them longer!
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to assemble! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked ground beef evenly between two bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg and generous dollops of cottage cheese.
5. Final Touches:
Add sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top of your bowls for a pop of freshness. If you like a little kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot! This Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Beef Bowl is hearty yet fresh, combining the sweet flavor of roasted sweet potatoes with savory spiced beef, creamy cottage cheese, and a deliciously runny fried egg on top!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute like plant-based ground meat.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily replace it with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and protein boost. Ricotta cheese also works well for a richer flavor!
Can I Prepare This Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and top with fresh eggs and cottage cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can microwave or warm everything in a skillet. If the egg is cooked, you might want to prepare a fresh one for the best texture!