These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy ground beef is cooked with hot honey, making each bite exciting. Add some rice and veggies, and you’re all set!
I can’t get enough of that sweet and heat combo—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 I love serving it over rice for a filling meal. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 85% lean for flavor and moisture. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based ground meat if you’re vegetarian.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness, but you can swap them for regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even bell peppers for a different texture and taste.
Hot Honey: This unique ingredient ties the dish together! If unavailable, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a homemade version.
Fresh Cheese: I love using queso fresco or feta for a tangy touch. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese or omit it entirely.
How Do I Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes to perfection can elevate your dish. First, make sure you dice them into even, small cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get that crispy texture.
- Use enough olive oil to coat but not drown the potatoes—about a tablespoon works well.
- Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to avoid steaming.
- Toss halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on all sides.
Remember, the goal is tender inside and crispy outside! Don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or a mix of honey and chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
For Assembling the Bowls:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled fresh cheese (such as queso fresco or feta)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish; optional)
- Hot sauce or extra hot honey for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes for cooking and assembly. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to create these delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy. Make sure to toss them halfway through for even cooking!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
3. Flavor the Beef:
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine! Now, pour in 2-3 tablespoons of hot honey over the beef, stirring to coat it evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until it’s fragrant and the sauce has thickened a bit.
4. Fry the Eggs:
In a separate nonstick pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up or however you like them. This will take just a few minutes!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top each with ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, sliced avocado, and a fried egg.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Dot the bowls with crumbled fresh cheese. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot honey or hot sauce over everything. You’ll want to add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for a lovely garnish!
7. Enjoy!
Serve these amazing bowls immediately and enjoy the wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal!
This dish is not just tasty but also colorful and visually appealing, making it a joy to eat! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just ensure you season it well since turkey can be milder in flavor. You might want to add an extra pinch of salt and spices to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, consider adding additional chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or even finely diced jalapeños to the ground beef while cooking. You can also drizzle more hot honey on top before serving to amp up the spice level!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef and sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat both in a skillet or microwave before assembling your bowls.
What Are Some Good Toppings or Add-Ins?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Consider adding sliced radishes, pickled onions, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. You could also mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and flavor!