These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty treat! Juicy ground beef cooked with a sweet and spicy honey sauce gives every bite a fun kick. You can top it off with rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal.
Whenever I make these bowls, I can’t help but smile at how simple they are! It’s perfect for busy days—you just cook, mix, and serve. Plus, who doesn’t love a little heat with their sweet? 🌶️🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter feel. If you’re vegetarian, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Hot Honey: This ingredient gives a sweet yet spicy kick! If you can’t find hot honey, you can make your own by mixing regular honey with a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your spice preference—play around with different sauces for a unique touch!
Sweet Potatoes: These hold the bowl together and add sweetness. If you don’t have them, try using regular potatoes or even quinoa as a base for a different texture and flavor.
Broccoli or Leafy Greens: Broccoli adds crunch, but other greens like spinach or kale work well too. For a quicker option, use frozen broccoli; it’s just as nutritious and saves you prep time!
Sour Cream: This is optional but enhances creaminess. Greek yogurt is a great substitute, or go dairy-free with cashew cream or avocado if you want a vegan choice.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their sweetness and creates a nice texture. Follow these tips for success:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil generously but not too much; just want to coat them lightly.
- Season them well with salt and pepper—don’t skip this step for flavor!
- Flip them halfway through cooking to get that perfect golden color on all sides.
- Roast until they’re fork-tender. The golden edges will give you that delightful crunch!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli or leafy greens (such as lettuce or kale)
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Chopped green onions or fresh herbs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, 30 minutes cooking, and you can enjoy your delicious bowls right after!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Make sure to flip them halfway through to cook evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Spices:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes, until the spices smell wonderful.
4. Mix in the Hot Honey:
Now, turn down the heat and pour the hot honey into the skillet with the ground beef. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Blanch the Broccoli:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli (or your leafy greens) and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s bright green and tender. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
6. Assemble Your Bowls:
To build your delicious bowls, start with a layer of roasted sweet potatoes at the bottom. Next, add the hot honey ground beef, and then top it with the blanched broccoli or leafy greens.
7. Add Toppings:
If you like, add a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your hot honey ground beef bowls warm and dig in! Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil while cooking to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a bit of hot sauce to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce per 1/4 cup of honey and adjust to your heat preference. Alternatively, you could use a sweeter BBQ sauce for similar flavors without the heat.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and cook the beef in advance. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat everything before assembling your bowls for a quick meal.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sweet potatoes become a bit dry, a splash of water or broth while reheating can help revive them.
