You may have noticed Beef Bowls trending on social media, and for good reason — they’re packed with protein and clean ingredients that make them a wholesome and easy meal. We took the popular recipe to the next level with our own Mediterranean twist!
Table of Contents
What is a Beef Bowl?
Many of the beef bowls on social media platforms bring together taco seasoning-spiced beef with sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey. We adore the contrast of textures and the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, but we put our own spin on it by swapping the taco seasoning for 7-spice and the avocado for hummus. Plus, we added some fresh veggies with a simple Mediterranean-style salad!
These bowls are especially great for those days when you’re craving something hearty without feeling too heavy. And the best part? They’re endlessly customizable. You can pile them high with your favorite veggies, substitute other meats, or add beans or cheese for a little extra protein. Whether you’re cooking for a group or meal prepping for the week, this recipe keeps things easy, nourishing, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients You Need
For the beef:
- Lean Ground Beef – We love using beef as the base of the bowl because it’s hearty and cooks quickly for easy meals! Look for lean ground beef to keep things light but still satisfying.
- 7 Spice – This is a great way to add warm flavor and a little complexity to the dish. It’s an aromatic blend that elevates the beef with some Middle Eastern flair.
- Sea Salt – Just a bit of salt brings out the natural flavor of the beef and amps up the 7 spice.
- Ground Black Pepper – This adds a little bite and balances out the richness of the other components. Freshly ground is always best if you have it.
For the potatoes:
- Sweet Potato – Roasting the potatoes brings out their natural sweetness that pairs so well with the savory beef. Cut them evenly so they cook at the same pace.
- Olive Oil – We use oil to coat the sweet potatoes before roasting so that they caramelize beautifully while roasting.
- Sea Salt – Salt gives the sweet potatoes just the right amount of seasoning. A pinch goes a long way in highlighting their natural flavor!
- Black Pepper – Pepper adds a mild kick to the potatoes and complements the sweet and smoky notes perfectly.
- Smoked Paprika – This spice adds smoky depth and beautiful color to the sweet potatoes. It’s one of our favorite spices for roasting!
Fresh toppings:
- Cottage Cheese – We love using this ingredient because it adds a cool, creamy contrast and extra protein. It’s unexpected but so good here.
- Diced Cucumber – This is a great way to add crunch and a fresh, clean bite. It balances the warmer flavors in the bowl.
- Chopped Tomatoes – These add juicy flavor and a little acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Sliced Radishes – We like to use radishes to bring a crisp, peppery crunch to every bite. It’s a little spicy and super refreshing!
- Sliced Red Onions – These bring a pop of color and sharpness that really livens up the bowl.
- Olives (Kalamata or Green) – These add a salty, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy and savory components.
- Feta Cheese, Crumbles – We love using this ingredient because it adds a salty tang and creamy texture that ties everything together.
- Hot Honey (Optional) – This is a fun way to add a little heat and sweetness. Drizzle it over the top for an extra flavor boost.
How to Make Beef Bowls
- Roast the sweet potatoes. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, then toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until they’re caramelized and fork-tender, flipping them halfway through so they get golden on all sides.
- Cook the beef. Place the beef in a preheated skillet and cook until it starts to brown. Sprinkle in the 7 spice, salt, and black pepper, stirring well as it finishes cooking. The meat should be browned and aromatic with just a little crispness at the edges.
- Build your bowl. Scoop the roasted sweet potatoes into the bottom of your bowl. Layer on the seasoned ground beef, then top with cottage cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, radishes, olives, and crumbled feta. Finish with a drizzle of hot honey if you like things sweet and spicy.
Variations
- Protein – Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even spiced chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Grains – Add a scoop of quinoa, rice, or farro to the bottom for extra texture.
- Cheese – Goat cheese or labneh can stand in for cottage or feta and still deliver that creamy element.
- Pickled Veggies – Pickled onions or turnips bring tangy crunch and really wake up the dish.
- Spiciness – Add a spoonful of harissa, jalapeños, or a spicy yogurt drizzle if you want more heat.
- Dressing – Instead of hot honey, try tahini sauce, tzatziki, or even a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- Dairy-free – Skip the cheeses and add avocado or hummus for creaminess without the dairy.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If the bowls are already assembled, some toppings might lose their crunch after sitting, especially the cucumbers and radishes. For the best results, store the components separately.
Leftover ingredients can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and ground beef, but avoid freezing fresh toppings like tomatoes and cucumbers since they won’t thaw well.
Common Questions about Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls
Yes, they can be! These bowls are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats—especially when you add veggies and use lean beef.
Roasted butternut squash, carrots, or even regular potatoes work well if you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand.
Absolutely. Swap the beef for lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Yes! Cook everything ahead of time and store all of the ingredients in separate containers. Assemble the bowls just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
More Beefy Recipes
If you’re on the search for more ways to beef up mealtime, you won’t want to miss these popular recipes:
Middle Eastern Crock Pot Beef Stew
Beef Pot Roast Recipe in the Oven
Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
For the roasted sweet potatoes:
- 1 pound sweet potatoes peeled & diced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the ground beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon 7 spice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh toppings:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- ¼ cup olives Kalamata or green
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
- Hot honey optional but recommended
- Hummus optional but recommended
Instructions
Roast the sweet potatoes:
- Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.1 pound sweet potatoes, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and tender.
Ground beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add 7 spice, sea salt, and black pepper.1 teaspoon 7 spice, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cook until fully browned and fragrant.
Assemble the bowls:
- Start with a base of roasted sweet potatoes.
- Top with seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, red onion, radishes, and olives.1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, ½ cup sliced radishes, 1/4 cup sliced red onions, 1/4 cup feta cheese, ¼ cup olives
- Optional: Add a dollop of hummus and a drizzle hot honey.Hot honey
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is sucha a fun twist on the trend! Can’t wait to try!