Name: Golden Curried Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl with Cooling Yogurt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients: 1 tbsp curry powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 cup yogurt; 1/2 lb (8 oz) ground beef; 1 medium sweet potato; 1/2 tsp coriander

Instructions

1
Dice the sweet potato into 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) cubes. Place the sweet potato cubes in your Air Fryer basket. (No need for oil if your air fryer is non-stick, the natural sugars will caramelize). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly browned. (The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, giving them a nice texture.)
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
Technique: air frying
2
While the sweet potatoes are air frying, begin preparing the curried beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula and brown (cook until all pink is gone) it for 5-7 minutes. Once browned, there should be enough rendered fat (fat that has melted out of the beef) in the pan. Do not drain excess fat, as this will be used to cook the spices and help form the sauce.
⏱️ 7 minutes
Technique: browning
3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper directly to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to 'bloom' (cook in the rendered fat to release their full aroma and flavor). (This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich curry flavor without needing additional oil.)
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: sautéing, blooming spices
4
Continue to cook the beef and spices, stirring frequently, for another 5-7 minutes. (The natural moisture from the beef and residual fat will create a thick, rich spiced coating for the meat.) Ensure the beef is fully cooked through.
⏱️ 7 minutes
Technique: simmering
5
Once the sweet potatoes are done in the air fryer, carefully add them to the skillet with the curried beef. Stir everything together gently to combine. (This brings all the delicious flavors together into one harmonious dish.)
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: combining
6
Divide the curried beef and sweet potato mixture evenly into two serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous dollop (a small spoonful) of yogurt. (The cool, creamy yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced curry.) Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: serving, garnishing

💡 Chef's Tips

If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add a pinch more!

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't drain all the beef fat after browning; it's essential for cooking the spices and preventing them from burning.
• Don't burn the spices; keep them moving in the pan and ensure the heat isn't too high during the 'blooming' step.
• Ensure sweet potato cubes are uniform in size for even cooking in the air fryer.