These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a fun mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy ground beef meets a kick of hot honey, making every bite exciting.
Serve it over rice or your favorite grains, and watch everyone go for seconds. Trust me, they won’t be able to resist that sweet heat! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I always use lean ground beef for less grease but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also make it vegetarian using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Hot Honey: If store-bought hot honey isn’t available, simply mix honey with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to create your own. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Sweet Potatoes: These add sweetness and nutrition. On a pinch? Regular potatoes or even cauliflower can work. Cauliflower mash can add creaminess, too!
Broccoli/Leafy Greens: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but if you prefer, spinach or kale are excellent choices. They wilt quickly and add great nutrients!
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection?
Roasting sweet potatoes can be a game changer! To get them golden and tender, focus on cutting them into even-sized pieces, so they cook uniformly.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes cleanup easier.
- Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up.
- Spread them out in a single layer! Overcrowding can make them steam instead of roast.
- Flip them halfway through for even roasting and that nice golden color.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Seasoning:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for seasoning)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli or leafy greens (such as lettuce or spinach)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)
Extras:
- Additional hot honey for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes. You’ll spend some time prepping the veggies and cooking the beef, but it all comes together beautifully for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, toss the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once coated, spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast these in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and tender. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking for even roasting!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to cook the beef! Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it into pieces with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow those flavors to meld.
3. Finish the Beef and Add Greens:
Now it’s time to add the sweet and spicy twist! Drizzle in the hot honey and soy sauce (if you’re using it) and stir well to coat the beef. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through. In the last few minutes, toss the broccoli or leafy greens into the skillet. They just need a couple of minutes to steam and wilt down.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
To put it all together, take your bowls and start with a layer of the roasted sweet potatoes. Then, add a generous scoop of the hot honey ground beef mixture on top. Finish off with slices of avocado and, if you’d like, a drizzle of additional hot honey for that extra sweet kick. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute and will offer a lighter dish. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may be slightly shorter, and ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover beef bowl components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stove. For the greens, you can eat them cold or quickly sauté them again as needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them into similar sizes and toss them in with the sweet potatoes or add them to the skillet with the ground beef to ensure everything cooks evenly!
