These viral hot honey beef bowls are high in protein, simple to prepare, and perfect for meal prep.
Not sure what to expect? Think of taco-seasoned ground beef paired with roasted sweet potatoes and creamy cottage cheese. It may sound unusual, but it’s a delicious combination.
When I first started seeing these sweet potato beef bowls circulating on social media, I knew I had to try them. An easy, protein-packed recipe with contrasting textures and bold flavors? Yes, please.
I tested the viral cottage cheese version several times and adjusted seasonings and proportions until my husband — a longtime cottage cheese skeptic — and I both loved it.
Perfectly seasoned taco meat, sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes, cool cottage cheese, and a generous drizzle of hot honey come together into a satisfyingly balanced bowl.
Why You’ll Love It:
- High in protein. Each bowl packs a substantial amount of protein and fiber, making it filling and nourishing.
- Full of flavor. Savory taco beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and spicy-sweet hot honey create a memorable mix of tastes and textures.
- Meal prep friendly. These bowls store and reheat well, so they’re ideal for prepping lunches or quick dinners for the week.
You Will Need:
- Lean ground beef: Choose the leanest option you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken also work well.
- Sweet potatoes: Roasted sweet potato cubes add natural sweetness and substance. You can roast them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer if you’re short on time.
- Cottage cheese: A creamy, high-protein element that balances the warm, spiced ingredients.
- Hot honey: Use store-bought or homemade hot honey. If you prefer no heat, regular honey works fine.
- Avocado (optional): Adds healthy fats and creaminess — optional depending on preference and cost.
- Seasonings: Taco seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, and cinnamon for the sweet potatoes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full directions.
How to Make Beef Bowls with Cottage Cheese
These bowls require two main components: roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef.
Roasting the Sweet Potato Cubes
- Step one: Whisk avocado or olive oil with salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a large bowl.
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in the seasoned oil until evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Step two: Roast at 425ºF (220ºC) for about 25 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the centers are tender.
- Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the beef.
The Seasoned Ground Beef
- Step three: Add ground beef and taco seasoning to a medium nonstick skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbles and stirring in the seasoning.
- Step four: Once browned, stir in 1/3 cup water and 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional) to create a saucy, seasoned mixture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Assembling the Bowls
- Step five: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned beef into four bowls. Top each with 1/2 cup cottage cheese and half an avocado, sliced, if using.
- Finish: Drizzle 2–3 teaspoons of hot honey over each bowl, focusing on the cottage cheese and sweet potatoes. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken: Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add 2–3 teaspoons oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and consider stirring in a little taco sauce for extra moisture and flavor.
Regular potatoes: You can use roasted white potatoes or baby potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. Omit the cinnamon if using regular potatoes, as it pairs better with sweet potatoes.
More High-Protein Meals:
-
Inside Out Egg Roll
-
Greek Yogurt Chicken
-
Korean Beef
-
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
If you enjoyed this hot honey beef bowl recipe, consider leaving a rating in the recipe card or sharing a comment. Tag the creator on Instagram to show your version.
Hot Honey Beef Bowls
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Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 medium avocados
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- Hot honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted sweet potatoes:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cubed (½–¾” cubes)
- 4 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
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Prepare the sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Combine oil and seasonings in a large bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes, and toss to coat.
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Roast the sweet potatoes. Spread the seasoned cubes on the prepared sheet and roast 25 minutes, until tender with crisp edges.
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Prepare the ground beef. While the potatoes roast, brown the ground beef in a skillet with taco seasoning. Deglaze with 1/3 cup water and stir in tomato paste if using. Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from heat.
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Assemble the bowls. Portion beef and sweet potatoes into four bowls. Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 avocado per bowl.
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Drizzle hot honey over each bowl, season with salt and pepper if desired, and finish with crushed red pepper for extra heat. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Meal prep: Cook the seasoned beef and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store components separately and add avocado and hot honey just before serving.
On draining grease: If you use very lean beef, there may be little grease and draining isn’t necessary. For fattier blends, remove excess grease before adding water and tomato paste.
Using ground turkey or chicken: Add a small amount of oil to the pan before browning and consider adding taco sauce for moisture and extra flavor.
Nutrition
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