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cottage cheese burger bowl

High Protein Cottage Cheese Burger Bowls

A high-protein burger bowl made with lean seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, avocado, and bright toppings. A filling bun-free meal that's great for meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Assembly Time 5 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups romaine or mixed greens
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 avocados
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onions
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 3 tbsp carne asada seasoning or taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 lime wedges
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup pepitas
  • Pickles
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Hot sauce

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into even cubes.
  2. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and smoked paprika.
  3. Air fry the sweet potatoes at 400°F for 12–16 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spatula.
  6. Cook until almost browned.
  7. Add the carne asada or taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water.
  8. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, about 7–10 minutes total, then confirm it has reached 160°F (71°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
  9. Divide 1/2 cup cottage cheese into each of four bowls.
  10. Add one-quarter of the cooked ground beef to each bowl.
  11. Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among the bowls.
  12. Add greens, cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 avocado to each bowl.
  13. Top with cilantro and pickled red onions.
  14. Finish each bowl with a lime wedge and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  15. Add optional pepitas, pickles, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce if desired.
  16. Serve immediately.

Notes

Yield: 4 bowls.
Use about 1/2 cup cottage cheese per serving.
Use 90/10 or 93/7 lean ground beef for a leaner bowl.
Ground Beef Cook Time: about 7–10 minutes.
Sweet Potato Air Fryer Temperature: 400°F.
Sweet Potato Cook Time: 12–16 minutes. Nutrition varies based on ingredients and portion sizes. For meal prep, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cooked beef and sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Assemble just before eating for the best texture.