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Ground Beef Sweet Potato Bowls - A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Sweet potatoes (2 large or 3 medium), peeled and cubed
  • Ground beef (1 pound, 85–93% lean)
  • Yellow onion (1 small), diced
  • Garlic (3 cloves), minced
  • Bell pepper (1, any color), diced
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cinnamon (a pinch, optional but lovely with sweet potato)
  • Lime (1–2), for juice and zest
  • Fresh cilantro (small bunch), chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Avocado, sliced or diced
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream (for sauce)
  • Hot sauce or sriracha (optional)
  • Baby spinach or shredded cabbage (for the base)
  • Optional add-ins: canned black beans (rinsed), corn, pickled jalapeños, pumpkin seeds

Method
 

  1. Prep and preheat: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
  2. Season the potatoes: Toss the cubes with 1–2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add a small pinch of cinnamon if using.
  3. Roast: Spread the potatoes in a single layer. Roast 20 minutes, stir, then roast another 10–15 minutes until browned and tender with crisp edges.
  4. Cook the beef: While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then the onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  5. Brown and season: Add the ground beef, breaking it up. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring, until browned and no longer pink.
  6. Add garlic and finish: Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and a handful of chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
  7. Make a quick sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of hot sauce. Thin with a splash of water if needed for drizzling.
  8. Prep toppings: Slice green onions and avocado. Rinse and drain black beans if using. Set out spinach or cabbage for the base.
  9. Assemble bowls: Add a handful of spinach or cabbage to each bowl. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, a scoop of the seasoned beef, and extras like black beans, corn, avocado, green onions, and cilantro.
  10. Finish and serve: Drizzle with the lime yogurt sauce. Add an extra lime wedge and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes if you like heat.