Name: Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean); 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that checks the boxes for comfort food and balanced nutrition? The Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl might just be your new go-to dinner. It’s colorful, satisfying, and pulls together textures and flavors in the best way possible. Think spicy-sweet roasted sweet potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, crisp green bell peppers, and a cool dollop of cottage cheese for balance.

This bowl isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep you feeling full and energized. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, and easy to customize with the veggies or toppings you have on hand. Bonus? It tastes amazing hot or cold.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this power bowl right is all about preparation and having the right tools at your side:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for dicing sweet potatoes and chopping bell peppers evenly. Uniform sizes help with even cooking.
Cutting Board: A stable board is key to safe chopping. Go with a large one to give yourself room.
Baking Sheet: You’ll need this for roasting your sweet potatoes. A rimmed sheet helps prevent any oil or spices from spilling.
Large Skillet: This is where the ground beef magic happens. A non-stick or cast iron skillet helps with browning and developing deep flavor.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing sweet potatoes in oil and spices before roasting.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A sturdy spoon helps break up the beef and stir evenly.
Serving Bowl: Opt for a wide, shallow bowl to layer your ingredients attractively.

With these basics in place, assembling the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl will be smooth, enjoyable, and efficient.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

Each ingredient in this power bowl is chosen for both flavor and function, making this dish as wholesome as it is delicious.

Ground Beef (lean): A high-protein, flavorful base. Look for lean ground beef to keep the dish balanced.
Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, rich in fiber and vitamin A, they add depth and color.
Green Bell Peppers: Their crunch and freshness offset the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Olive Oil: Used for roasting; it enhances caramelization while adding healthy fats.
Smoked Paprika and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and a subtle kick to the dish.
Garlic Powder and Cumin: These give the beef a savory, slightly smoky edge.
Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that enhances every other flavor.
Cottage Cheese: A creamy, tangy protein boost that cools the heat of the spices.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of herby brightness on top.

How To Make the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and the chopped green bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, just until softened with a bit of char. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with your spoon for even browning.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop a portion of sweet potatoes, beef, and peppers into your serving bowl. Top with a generous spoonful of cottage cheese and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serving and Storing the Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

This power bowl is best served warm when the sweet potatoes are crispy and the beef is juicy. To plate it up, think in layers: roasted sweet potatoes on one side, savory beef on the other, peppers tucked beside, and a cool scoop of cottage cheese in the center. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of green and freshness.

For storing, let everything cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a meal prep favorite. If you’re storing the components separately, keep the cottage cheese and cilantro in their own containers to maintain texture and freshness. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm gently on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use?

Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) works best. It’s flavorful without being overly greasy, which pairs well with the hearty potatoes and crisp peppers.

Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?

Yes! Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream are great alternatives if you prefer a different kind of tangy topping.

How do I make this bowl spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking, or sprinkle some on top when serving.

Are there vegetarian swaps for the beef?

Absolutely. You can use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Season the same way for similar flavor.

Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze the cooked beef and roasted sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Just note the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this bowl is naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice blends and toppings to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Want More Beef Bowl Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a comfort classic packed with savory depth. For a fusion twist, try the Taco Bake Casserole—it’s like your favorite taco night in layered form.

If you lean toward lighter but still filling meals, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is a must-try. For a one-pan solution, One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice offers bold, sweet-and-spicy contrast with easy cleanup. And don’t overlook the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce—a creamy pasta experience with rich, cozy notes.

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If you try this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl, let me know how you made it yours. Did you go extra spicy? Use sour cream instead of cottage cheese? Drop a comment below. I love seeing your kitchen takes!

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Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Power Bowl is a hearty, nutrient-packed meal perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. It features roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, and a cool dollop of cottage cheese—balanced, flavorful, and easy to assemble.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.

2. While potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped bell peppers for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred and softened. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef. Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. To assemble, layer sweet potatoes, beef, and bell peppers in a bowl. Add a scoop of cottage cheese in the center and garnish with fresh cilantro.