Viral Ground Beef Bowls (Dairy Free)

If the viral cottage cheese bowls have you intrigued, you have to try my dairy free version of these ground beef bowls! Loaded with healthy fats, protein and fiber, they're full of flavor and can be whipped up in about 30 minutes! They're easy to make, incredibly delicious and perfect for meal prep. I know I'll always get a satisfying lunch or dinner out of this recipe and all I need to do is gather up the wholesome, simple ingredients. I often talk about how I like participating in trends, but I have to put my own allergy-friendly spin on them. They're made using dairy free ricotta instead of cottage cheese and the honey and sweet potato flavor combination really shines here! If you love this recipe, you'll also love my chicken snack wrap, gluten free dumplings or my copycat In n Out burgers.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This bowl is naturally gluten free and dairy-optional, so it's easy to adapt for different needs.

Family-friendly and TikTok-approved, so even picky eaters might give it a go!

High in protein and fiber, so it keeps you full and energized.

Quick and easy to prep, they are perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.

I love that I can customize it with my favorite toppings or sauces!

These ground beef bowls are made with whole food ingredients you can feel good about.

They are super easy to throw together in about 30 minutes!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

The equipment list is pretty simple - you'll need a cutting board and knife, a baking sheet, a skillet or frying pan, a spatula or wooden spoon and a mixing bowl!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ground beef: Use high-quality, lean ground beef in this recipe.

Taco seasoning: It's a quick way to infuse the beef with Tex-Mex flavor.

Sweet potato: These are so yummy with the ground beef! A great source of fiber and nutrients, too.

Dairy-free ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, dairy free ricotta is cool and silky. Look for one made with almond or cashew milk. You could also make your own!

Avocado: Sliced or mashed, avocado brings buttery softness and healthy fats. It complements the warm spices.

Honey: Just a drizzle adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together-especially nice against the smoky taco seasoning

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and gather all your ingredients.

Step 2: Slice the sweet potato into rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and roast for about 30 minutes, or until golden and tender.

Step 3: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the ground beef with taco seasoning in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned.

Step 4: To assemble, layer the roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned beef in bowls. Top with dollops of dairy-free ricotta and slices of avocado, then finish with a drizzle of honey.

STORAGE

Store the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked ground beef in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

VARIATIONS

Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, chicken breast or ground turkey.

Try using dairy free cashew cheese instead of ricotta. You could also try adding dairy free yogurt.

Add a dollop of guacamole for extra creaminess!

Some days, I want to add some heat, so I drizzle over my favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also toss the sweet potatoes with smoked paprika or chili powder before roasting.

HOW TO SERVE

• As a hearty meal bowl: Serve the sweet potatoes, ground beef, ricotta, avocado and honey in a deep bowl for a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
• As a make-your-own bowl station: Set up a DIY bowl bar with all the ingredients laid out. Let your friends customize their bowls with toppings like salsa, sour cream or cilantro.
• In lettuce wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) and enjoy a refreshing, crunchy wrap.
• Topped with a fried egg: For added protein and richness, top the bowl with a sunny-side-up or poached egg, letting the yolk mix with the other ingredients.
• As a meal prep option: Assemble the ingredients in separate containers for a grab-and-go meal throughout the week.

Recipe FAQ

What is the TikTok viral cottage cheese sweet potato bowl?

It's a trending recipe that layers roasted sweet potato rounds with creamy cottage cheese (or ricotta), avocado and a touch of honey. Some versions include ground beef or other proteins. It's popular for its balance of sweet, savory and creamy textures-all in one bowl.

Are these bowls gluten free? 

Yes! These bowls are naturally gluten free, as long as you use a gluten free taco seasoning. No wheat or gluten-containing ingredients are included.

What other vegetables can I add to these?

You can mix in or top with roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, corn, shredded carrots, red onion, cherry tomatoes or even steamed broccoli. It's easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Is there dairy free cottage cheese?

Yes! There are several dairy free cottage cheese options made from almonds, coconut milk, or cashews. If you can't find one, dairy free ricotta or a thick plant-based yogurt can work just as well.

What other kinds of sauces can I use?

You can switch out the honey or add even more flavor with chipotle mayo, tahini sauce, avocado crema, balsamic glaze or your favorite hot sauce. These bowls are super sauce-friendly!

Can I make these bowls in advance?

Absolutely. You can prep the sweet potatoes and ground beef ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat and add fresh toppings like avocado and your sauce right before serving.

RELATED RECIPES

Be sure to try these fun lunch ideas next:

Spring Pasta Salad

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Steak Fajita Pasta

Spring Roll Pasta

Beet Salad with Chicken

If you make these ground beef bowls and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.