Spicy Ground Beef Sweet Potato Bowl

There’s nothing better than walking into my kitchen after a long day and knowing dinner will be ready in 40 minutes. This spicy ground beef sweet potato protein bowl has become my family’s go-to when we need something satisfying that actually tastes indulgent. I discovered this combination during my competition prep days when I was desperately trying to hit my protein goals without sacrificing flavor—just like I do with my High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding when sweet cravings strike.

What makes this bowl so special is how the Cajun-inspired spices transform simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The sweet potatoes get these amazing caramelized edges that my teenagers actually fight over, while the seasoned ground beef delivers serious flavor punch. With 35 grams of protein per serving, it keeps everyone satisfied for hours and makes meal prep effortless—especially when paired with easy prep-friendly recipes like Cottage Cheese Wraps. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Ground Beef Sweet Potato Protein Bowl

I’ve tested this recipe countless times with my family, and it never fails to impress even my pickiest eaters. The combination of perfectly spiced lean ground beef with roasted sweet potatoes creates incredible depth of flavor that doesn’t taste like typical “health food.” These bowls come together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but satisfying. The recipe scales beautifully for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for up to four days while maintaining that amazing texture. My favorite part is how versatile they are—you can customize the toppings based on what your family loves, whether it’s creamy Cottage Cheese Alfredo for richness or a tangy Healthy Chicken Salad Without Mayo on the side, from creamy cottage cheese to sliced avocado and hot honey drizzle.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store the ground beef and sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days for best results. Pro tip: I recommend keeping the toppings separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness. Reheat the components in the microwave or skillet over medium heat, then add your fresh toppings like avocado and cottage cheese after warming. These bowls work beautifully for meal prep lunches – just pack everything in separate compartments of meal prep containers. In my experience, adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens all the flavors and makes each bowl taste restaurant-fresh.

Conclusion

Spicy Ground Beef Sweet Potato Protein Bowl

Hearty protein bowl with seasoned ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes, delivering 35g protein per serving

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt for sweet potatoes
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for sweet potatoes
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder for sweet potatoes
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin for sweet potatoes
• 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10
• 1.5 teaspoons salt for beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder for beef
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin for beef
• 1 teaspoon chili powder for beef
• 1 teaspoon black pepper for beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese optional topping
• 2 whole avocados sliced, optional topping
• 0.25 cup hot honey optional topping

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin until evenly coated.
3. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy with caramelized edges.
5. While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
8. Reduce heat to medium and add all spices to the beef. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and spices toast.
9. In meal prep containers or serving bowls, divide roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef equally.
10. Top each bowl with a scoop of cottage cheese, sliced avocado, a drizzle of hot honey, chili flakes, and green onions as desired.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (90/10) for best results. Don’t overcrowd sweet potatoes on baking sheet. Keep toppings separate if meal prepping. Add avocado and honey just before eating. Store components separately for up to 4 days.