Get ready to fall in love with a dish that brings together cozy, comforting flavors and a delightful mix of textures: the Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe. This bowl is a celebration of savory seasoned tofu that crisps up beautifully, sweet roasted potatoes that add that perfect caramelized touch, creamy cottage cheese cooling things down, and a drizzle of hot honey to give it a subtle kick of heat and sweetness. Every bite sings with balance, making it a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture that keep every bite interesting. From the creamy cottage cheese to the warmth of taco seasoning, these components are simple but essential.
- Extra-firm tofu: Pressed well to ensure it crisps up perfectly in the oven without becoming soggy.
- Taco seasoning: Adds a warm, mildly spicy flavor that seasons both the tofu and sweet potatoes brilliantly.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the tofu and roast the sweet potatoes to golden perfection.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing everything together in harmony.
- Large sweet potato: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even roasting and a naturally sweet, creamy texture.
- Cottage cheese: Offers a cooling, creamy contrast that balances the warmth and spice.
- Hot honey: Adds a luscious blend of sweetness with just a hint of spicy heat.
- Avocado: Adds richness and a buttery smooth texture to the bowl.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped to give a bright, herbal finish that lifts all the flavors.
How to Make Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shred Your Tofu
Start by preheating the oven to a nice toasty 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using the large side of a box grater, shred the block of tofu right onto the baking sheet—don’t worry about small chunks falling off; just gently press them through the grater so you get a good, shredded texture. This shredding is key because it helps the tofu crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Season and Bake the Tofu
Once your tofu is shredded, drizzle it with two tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle over half a teaspoon of fine sea salt plus two tablespoons of taco seasoning. Toss everything well so every shred is evenly coated with spices and oil. Spread the tofu out in a thin, even layer to allow it to dry out and crisp up nicely. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes and check around 25 minutes to make sure it’s not burning. When golden and crispy around the edges, pull it out and let it cool slightly before dicing any big chunks down so you get bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
While the tofu is crisping up, toss your sweet potato pieces with half a tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a separate baking sheet. Roast these in the oven alongside your tofu for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re tender with just the right golden caramelization. The sweetness of these potatoes is what sets this bowl apart.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Now comes the fun part—creating your bowls! Divide the crispy tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, dollops of creamy cottage cheese, and fresh avocado slices evenly between two bowls. A final drizzle of hot honey over the top gives it a spicy-sweet punch that’s absolutely irresistible. Don’t forget to sprinkle on a handful of chopped cilantro for that fresh, bright finish.
Step 5: Enjoy Immediately
Serve your Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe right away while everything is warm and fresh. The contrast between crispy, roasted, creamy, and spicy flavors shines best when eaten immediately. Get ready for a bowl that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is my go-to garnish here because it adds a fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the warmth and spice. You can also sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped green onions for a little crunch and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Serve this bowl with a side of warm tortilla chips or a simple green salad tossed with lime and olive oil to add brightness. A crisp cucumber salad would also complement the richness and spice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or spice up your weeknight dinner, try serving these bowls in mason jars for an on-the-go meal or layered appetizers. Alternatively, pile all the ingredients onto soft tortillas for a quick fusion taco option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain the tofu’s crispness, store it separately from any moist ingredients like avocado or cottage cheese.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze portions, keep the roasted sweet potatoes separate and freeze in a freezer-safe container. The tofu’s texture changes with freezing, so it’s better to make the tofu fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the tofu and sweet potatoes in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F to help them regain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tofu soggy. Add fresh avocado and cottage cheese after reheating for maximum creaminess and freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the tofu with ground beef?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with shredded tofu for a vegetarian twist, you can swap it with cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning for a meaty variation that still works beautifully with the other components.
Is it necessary to press the tofu?
Yes, pressing your tofu removes excess moisture so it crisps up properly in the oven. Without pressing, your tofu might turn out mushy instead of fluffy and crunchy.
What is hot honey and can I make it at home?
Hot honey is a delicious condiment that blends sweetness with a gentle heat from chili peppers. You can easily make it at home by gently infusing honey with a few chili flakes or fresh chili, letting the flavors meld overnight.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, regular honey works fine and will keep the dish sweet while losing the spicy kick. You might consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to replicate that heat.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To keep this completely vegan, swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative like cashew ricotta or vegan sour cream, and ensure your taco seasoning doesn’t contain dairy products.
Final Thoughts
This Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this bowl brings warmth, excitement, and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy to your table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Tofu and Ground Beef Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, and Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tofu Ground Beef Bowls recipe offers a delicious and healthy plant-based twist on traditional ground beef bowls. Featuring crispy, seasoned tofu shredded and baked to perfection, tender roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh avocado, this bowl is packed with flavor and texture. Finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey and fresh cilantro, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed (super firm also works well)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 large sweet potato, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bowls Toppings
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1/2 avocado, sliced or diced
- Handful of cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Tofu: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using the large side of a box grater, shred the pressed block of tofu. If large chunks fall off, gently push those through the grater to shred evenly. Spread all shredded tofu onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Season and Bake Tofu: Drizzle the tofu with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, and add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly, then spread tofu into a thin, even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking at 25 minutes to prevent burning, until tofu is crispy around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dice larger chunks as needed so all tofu pieces are shredded.
- Prepare and Roast Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl, toss sweet potato pieces with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer on a separate baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the baked tofu and roasted sweet potatoes evenly into 2 bowls. Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese per bowl, top with sliced or diced avocado, and drizzle each with 1/2 tablespoon hot honey. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy your tofu ground beef bowls immediately while ingredients are warm and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu well before shredding helps achieve a crispy texture during baking.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick but can be omitted or substituted with plain honey if preferred.
- You can substitute cottage cheese with vegan cheese or Greek yogurt to suit dietary needs.
- For extra protein, add black beans or cooked quinoa to the bowls.
