Perfectly Balanced: Easy and Delicious Spiced Potato and Beef Bowls for Meal Prep
Loaded Spiced Potato and Beef Bowls Recipe
Creating a dish that combines convenience, budget-friendly ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors might sound like a tall order, but these loaded spiced potato and beef bowls fit the bill perfectly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick, delectable dish to serve, this recipe is ideal. It’s a symphony of flavors that harmonizes the earthiness of potatoes with the robust taste of beef, all amped up with an array of spices that create a warm, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the Potatoes
To begin your culinary journey, start with the humble potato. Weighing in at 1 kilo or 2.2 pounds, these all-rounder potatoes need just a quick rinse. There’s no need to peel them; the skin adds a lovely texture and depth of flavor. Once cleaned, dice them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Spice Up the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are ready, it’s time to spice things up. Add a teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and an optional dash of chili flakes. A tablespoon of olive oil helps these spices adhere to the potatoes. Massage the mixture well, ensuring every piece is coated in the flavorful blend. Air frying is a perfect cooking method here, set at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes. Alternatively, an oven does the job just as well with potatoes spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking the Beef
Turning our attention to the beef, start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over high heat. Add 500 grams or 1.1 pounds of lean beef mince, seasoned with salt and cracked black pepper. Let the beef develop a lovely crust by not stirring it for the first minute or so. Then break it up and continue cooking until it’s browned and the moisture has evaporated, roughly 6 to 7 minutes.
Adding Aromatics and Sauce
With the beef nicely cooked, introduce four cloves of grated garlic and the coarser pieces of three spring onions. For an aromatic boost, tamper with 2 teaspoons each of ground cumin and dried herbs. These ingredients should mingle for about a minute, just until the garlic’s raw edge is softened.
One of the key components to the dish’s rich taste is the sauce. Stir in one 14-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes alongside 120 grams (4.2 ounces) of tomato sauce. This combination transforms the beef, enriching it with a sweet, acidic zing. Allow it to simmer over low heat for about 18 to 20 minutes, reducing until it’s a thick, luscious sauce.
Assembling the Bowls
With the primary elements prepped and ready, start assembling your bowls. Use five 750 ml containers for meal prepping. Begin with a generous portion of spiced potatoes, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese can either be layered between potatoes and beef or mixed directly into the beef while cooking for a melty finish.
The presentations conclude with a tablespoon of sour cream per serving and a sprinkle of finely sliced spring onion stems. For a peppery kiss, drizzle with sriracha mayo or your favorite sauce.
Storage and Reheating
The beauty of these bowls lies not only in their taste but in their practicality. These bowls stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for three months. Simply reheat in the microwave for best results; a pan may dry out the potatoes a bit when reheating. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge for optimal texture.
Nutritional Value
The dish’s nutrition values are another attractive aspect. With each serving packing in only 8 calories along with a hefty 40 grams of protein, these bowls deliver sustenance without sacrificing flavor. They embody the perfect balance between a healthy diet and a fulfilling meal.
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. This loaded spiced potato and beef bowl recipe demonstrates that a meal can be straightforward yet wholly satisfying. So grab your apron and give it a try. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Discover the irresistible flavors of loaded spiced potato and beef bowls, boasting 40g of protein per serving. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep!
