These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty blend of sweet and spicy! Juicy ground beef is cooked with a kick of hot honey, then served over rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
You won’t believe how easy these bowls are to whip up! I love to add some veggies on top for crunch and color—they make every bite a little more fun. 🌶️🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! I love using lean ground beef to keep it flavorful yet not overly greasy. For a healthier option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, which works great with the hot honey flavor.
Sweet Potato: This adds a wonderful sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer a different veggie, you can swap it for regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even roasted carrots!
Hot Honey: The key ingredient for that sweet and spicy punch! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes to create your own version.
Rice: I usually go for white rice, but you could easily swap it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
How Do You Make Sure Your Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes to perfection can elevate your bowls significantly. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for a nice crisp.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Toss them in oil and seasonings, but don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Space them out for better roasting!
- Turn them halfway through the cooking time to get that lovely golden color.
Give them enough time to caramelize and develop that sweet flavor, usually 20-25 minutes does the trick!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or your choice of grain)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp hot honey (honey mixed with chili flakes or store-bought hot honey)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have delicious bowls ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until they’re coated well. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the Hot Honey:
Once the beef is browned, drizzle 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of hot honey over it. Stir everything well to combine and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will help to meld those sweet and spicy flavors together!
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked white rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the hot honey ground beef, followed by the roasted sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
5. Finish with Toppings:
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each bowl. For an extra kick, drizzle a little more hot honey over everything and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for garnish.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the bowls warm and dive into this delightful mix of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors! These bowls make for a fantastic family dinner or meal prep option for the week ahead.
This recipe serves about 4 people. Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, leaner substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more chili powder or incorporating chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture. You can also drizzle extra hot honey on top for that added kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge, and then reheat when you’re ready to assemble your bowls for a quick meal.
