Viral Sweet Potato Beef Bowl {high in protein, perfect for meal prep}

These viral bowls tick all the boxes for me: salty, sweet, creamy, a little spicy, and definitely filling. Roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli give everything a crispy edge, and a drizzle of hot honey at the end brings it all together!

I make a double batch most weeks and just change the ingredients depending on my mood or what I need to use up in the fridge. Sometimes it’s pickled onions and cole slaw. Other times, it’s extra avocado and jalapeños. The base is sturdy enough to hold up anything you throw at it.

While the original version of TikTok is great, I always increase the amount of veggies. Adding roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts makes it even better. More vegetables, more texture, more leftovers!

before starting

Before you start cooking, there are a few things worth knowing so that everything goes smoothly.

• Cut the sweet potatoes into small cubes: smaller cubes bake faster and brown better around the edges.
• Don’t crowd the pan: If the pan is too crowded, the vegetables will steam. If necessary, use two pans or bake in batches.
• Swap the protein: If you don’t want to use lean ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground chicken if you’d like!
• Tweak hot honey: it’ll sneak up on you. Start a little lighter and let people drizzle a little more on the table. If you don’t like hot honey, you can also use regular honey!

How to Make Viral Sweet Potato and Beef Bowls

Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to put this recipe together.

1. Roasted sweet potatoes

Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil and tortilla seasoning. Spread on lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

2. Add broccoli

Flip the sweet potatoes and push them to one side. Toss the broccoli with the oil and seasonings and add to the other side of the pan. Bake everything together for 15 minutes.

3. Cook the ground beef

While the vegetables are roasting, add the ground beef to the skillet and brown with the taco seasoning. Break it up as it cooks until well browned and a little crispy in places.

4. Assemble the bowl

Add sweet potatoes, broccoli, and ground beef to each bowl. Top with cream cheese, avocado, hot honey, chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add any optional toppings you like.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are the best tips and pro tips to help this recipe come out perfect every time.

• Roast vegetables correctly: Use high heat and don’t crowd the pan to ensure caramelized edges instead of steamed, soggy vegetables.
• Use full-fat cheese: The added richness makes the bowl feel more satisfying and helps balance the heat and sweetness.
• Upgrade your toppings: Add pickled red onions or a quick salad for added crunch and acidity—both balance the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Try Hot Sauce + Honey: If you don’t have hot honey, mix your favorite hot sauce with a little honey. You can control the heat level precisely.
• Make it a meal prep powerhouse: Portion it into containers and store ingredients individually. Add fresh lime, avocado, and hot honey just before serving to keep it fresh.

Store and reheat

Here’s how to store, reheat, and enjoy leftovers.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator: Let everything cool completely, then store the roasted vegetables and beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later use: Freeze cooked meats and vegetables in separate containers for up to 2 months. Do not leave out ingredients such as avocado or cheese before serving.
• Reheat gently: Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a small amount of broth or water if the meat or potatoes seem dry.
• Use up leftovers: Stuff them into quesadillas, spoon them into lettuce wraps, or stir them into scrambled eggs for a high-protein breakfast hash.