These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a fun and tasty meal! They mix spicy and sweet with ground beef, honey, and your favorite veggies served over rice or noodles.
I love how easy they are to make, and you can add whatever toppings you like! If you have some hot sauce, go ahead and amp up that heat! 🍯🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, consider using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Hot Honey: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for that sweet and spicy kick.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely natural sweetness. If you don’t have them, roasted carrots or regular potatoes work well too, or even zucchini for a lower-carb option.
Cheese: I love crumbled goat cheese for its tang, but feta works beautifully too. If dairy is an issue, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the creaminess.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Flavored Perfectly?
Getting the beef’s flavor spot on is all about the seasoning. Here’s what to focus on:
- Brown the meat well: This caramelizes it, which adds depth to the flavor.
- Use plenty of spices: Don’t skip the smoked paprika or cumin; they give a warm, smoky undertone.
- Incorporate hot honey at the end: This makes the beef sticky and coats it in that wonderful sweet heat.
Don’t rush this part—flavor builds with time, so let the spices marry with the meat!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or a store-bought hot honey)
- 1 cup cooked cauliflower rice (or regular rice)
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced and roasted
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 25 minutes roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the beef while the rest comes together in the last 15 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to give them a stir halfway through, so they cook evenly!
2. Cooking the Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, around 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Seasoning the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. After that, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
4. Adding the Hot Honey:
Now, drizzle the hot honey over the beef. Stir it in and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is shiny, sticky, and wonderfully coated in that sweet and spicy goodness!
5. Assembling the Bowls:
It’s time to put it all together! Divide the cooked cauliflower rice between your bowls. Top each bowl with the roasted sweet potatoes, sliced cucumber, diced avocado, and a generous helping of the hot honey ground beef.
6. Finishing Touches:
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top, and sprinkle your favorite cheese over everything. If you’re feeling extra spicy, drizzle some more hot honey or hot sauce on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish your bowls with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the fantastic flavors of your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just be sure to season it well since turkey can be milder in taste!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicier hot sauce or drizzle more hot honey to amp up the spice level!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the ground beef and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble your bowls!
What Are Some Good Toppings for These Bowls?
Besides the suggested toppings, you can add fresh radishes, pickled onions, or even some corn for added crunch and flavor. Feel free to customize based on your taste preferences!