Name: Spicy Cottage Cheese Taco Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes (diced into 1/2-inch cubes for even roasting); Avocado oil spray (preferably Chosen Foods for its high smoke point); 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp paprika; 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio for optimal flavor); 1 tsp salt; 1.5 tsp paprika; 1.5 tsp chili powder; 1.5 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp onion powder; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 large avocado (sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges); 16 oz cottage cheese (recommend Good Culture for thick texture); Crushed red pepper, to taste; Hot honey, for drizzling; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

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Introduction

Spicy Cottage Cheese Taco Bowls combine hearty roasted sweet potatoes, richly seasoned ground beef, and creamy cottage cheese for a unique twist on taco night. This dish delivers layers of bold flavor and satisfying textures in every bite.

A white bowl filled with four main layers arranged side by side: bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes on the left, next to light green sliced avocado sprinkled with red pepper flakes, followed by a central layer of white cottage cheese topped with a drizzle of golden oil and red pepper flakes, and on the right, a pile of dark brown crumbled cooked ground meat garnished with small green herbs. The bowl sits on a gray cloth with a white marbled surface beneath it. In the background, a cut lime half, lime wedge, wooden pepper grinder, and small white bowl of red chili flakes are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
Avocado oil spray
3/4 tsp salt (for sweet potatoes)
3/4 tsp paprika (for sweet potatoes)
3/4 tsp garlic powder (for sweet potatoes)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for sweet potatoes)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio preferred)
1 tsp salt (for beef)
1.5 tsp paprika (for beef)
1.5 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp garlic powder (for beef)
1.5 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 large avocado, sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
16 oz cottage cheese
Crushed red pepper
Hot honey
1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and spray generously with avocado oil.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3/4 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp paprika, and 3/4 tsp garlic powder. Toss the sweet potatoes in this seasoning blend until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air fry the sweet potatoes at 400°F for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. The potatoes should be tender inside with crispy edges when done.
Step 4: While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 5: Let the beef cook undisturbed for the first 1-2 minutes to develop browning. Then stir occasionally for another 4-5 minutes, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 6: Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Sprinkle in 1 tsp salt, 1.5 tsp paprika, 1.5 tsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, and 1.5 tsp onion powder. Stir well to coat the beef evenly and cook for 30 more seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: To assemble the bowls, divide cottage cheese evenly among serving bowls as the creamy base.
Step 8: Arrange roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef in sections over the cottage cheese.
Step 9: Add avocado slices on top, then drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Step 10: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the entire bowl and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro to brighten flavors and prevent avocado browning.

Tips & Variations

Use an 80/20 beef blend for the best flavor and juiciness.
Swap avocado oil spray for olive oil if preferred, but avocado oil’s high smoke point is ideal for roasting sweet potatoes.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and protein.
For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils seasoned the same way.
Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if you prefer a tangier, smoother base.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sweet potatoes and beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling with fresh cottage cheese and avocado. Avocado slices are best added fresh to prevent browning.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with four main layers arranged side by side: on the left, bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes with browned edges; next to it, thin slices of green avocado sprinkled with red chili flakes and small green herbs; in the center, a creamy white layer of cottage cheese topped with chili flakes and a drizzle of golden oil; on the right, dark brown cooked ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture, garnished with bits of green herbs. There are fresh green cilantro leaves behind the cottage cheese. In the background, a halved lime, a small white bowl of red chili flakes, and a wooden pepper grinder sit on a white marbled surface. The bowl rests on a gray cloth napkin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taco bowls gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure your seasonings and hot honey are gluten-free brands.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can roast diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through until tender and crisp.