Hamdi Saidani This Michela’s Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta Recipe is a simple and healthy recipe, which is made with quality minced beef and sweet potato. It’s a great first food for babies, ready in about 20 minutes.
Michela’s Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta Recipe Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato (300g)
- 200g quality minced beef
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
How To Make Michela’s Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta Recipe
- Prep and Steam: Peel and cut the sweet potato into 1cm chunks. Place the beef and sweet potato chunks into a steamer basket over a pan with about 2cm of water. Cover with a lid and steam for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Blend and Serve: Transfer the cooked mince and sweet potato to a blender or a bowl. Add the ricotta cheese and a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Blend to a smooth purée, pulse for a chunkier texture, or mash well with a fork, depending on your baby’s weaning stage. If the mixture is too thick, add a little cooled, boiled water to loosen it. If using, pick the thyme leaves over the puree before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to adapt the texture for my baby? This recipe is perfect for all stages of weaning. For a 6-month-old, blend it into a completely smooth purée. For an older baby (8-9 months+), you can mash it with a fork to introduce soft, chewable lumps.
- Can I bake the sweet potato instead of steaming? Yes. Baking the sweet potato will bring out even more of its natural sweetness. Simply bake it whole at 200°C/400°F until tender, then scoop out the flesh and combine it with the steamed beef and ricotta before blending.
- Why is this a good combination for a baby? This meal is a nutritional powerhouse. It provides essential iron from the beef, beta-carotene (Vitamin A) from the sweet potato, and calcium and protein from the ricotta, all of which are vital for a growing baby.
- How do I store this baby food safely? Cool the puree as quickly as possible (within 1-2 hours) and then store it. It can be kept in the fridge or frozen immediately. This is crucial for preventing bacteria growth.
What To Serve With Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta
This is a well-balanced meal on its own, but you can also serve it in other ways.
- As a simple, standalone puree
- Mixed with a little baby rice or oatmeal for extra texture
- For older babies practicing with finger foods, serve the mashed version alongside soft-cooked vegetable sticks
How To Store Baby Food
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours.
- Freeze: This recipe is ideal for freezing. Spoon the cooled puree into a clean ice-cube tray, cover, and freeze. Once solid, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 (of 3-4 baby portions)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
At what age can my baby eat this?
This puree is suitable for babies from 6 months of age who have started on solid foods.
Can I use a different cheese?
Full-fat cottage cheese would be a good substitute for ricotta, providing a similar creamy texture and protein boost. Avoid strong-flavored or hard cheeses.
Can I make this recipe without a steamer?
Yes. You can place the sweet potato and mince in a small saucepan, cover them with water, and boil gently until the sweet potato is tender and the beef is cooked. Drain well before blending.
Try More Recipes:
- Michela’s Beef, Plum & Cauliflower Recipe
- Michela’s Beef, Plum & Cauliflower Recipe
- Jools’ Simple Beef Stew Recipe
Michela’s Beef, Sweet Potato and Ricotta Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Baby FoodDifficulty: Easy4
5
minutes15
190
kcalA creamy and nutritious purée for babies, combining savory beef with naturally sweet potato and mild ricotta cheese for a perfectly balanced meal.
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato (300g)
200g quality minced beef
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
Extra virgin olive oil
Optional: 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
Directions
- Peel and chop the sweet potato into small chunks.
- Place the sweet potato and minced beef in a steamer and steam for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked ingredients to a blender or bowl.
- Add the ricotta cheese and a small drizzle of olive oil.
- Blend, pulse, or mash to the desired consistency for your baby, adding a little water if too thick.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and freezing in ice cube trays for quick and easy meals.
- The texture can be easily adjusted from a smooth purée to a chunky mash to suit your baby’s stage.
- Ensure the purée is cooled to a safe, lukewarm temperature before feeding it to your baby.
- Using quality, fresh ingredients will provide the best flavor and nutrition for your little one.