These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! They feature juicy ground beef cooked to perfection with a hint of heat from hot honey, making dinner exciting.
I love serving this dish over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a flash!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter but still flavorful. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option. If you’re looking for a plant-based choice, crumbled tempeh or lentils work well too!
Sweet Potatoes: They bring a natural sweetness and texture. If sweet potatoes are unavailable, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be great alternatives. They may require different cooking times, so keep an eye on them!
Broccoli: Broccoli adds crunch and nutrients. Feel free to swap it with spinach, kale, or any other greens you like. Just remember that leafy greens will wilt down much faster than firmer veggies.
Hot Honey: This ingredient is the star! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to create your own version.
How Can I Perfectly Roast Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes to achieve that perfect tender yet crispy texture is key. Preheat your oven properly and coat the cubes evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep your sweet potatoes the same size for even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast instead of steam.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking for an even golden brown color.
- Check for tenderness with a fork; they should be soft inside and crispy on the outside.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for beef)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- 2 cups broccoli or other greens (e.g., spinach or lettuce)
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Optional: green onions
- Optional: sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and roughly 30 minutes total, including cooking time. You’ll enjoy delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls that are ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a bowl and toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a lined baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes until they’re tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Then, add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it apart. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned all the way through.
3. Season and Add Greens:
Stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Let this cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and get delicious! In the last couple of minutes of cooking, toss in your chopped broccoli or greens and sauté until they are just wilted.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now, it’s time to put everything together! In serving bowls, divide the roasted sweet potatoes and the beef mixture evenly. Drizzle hot honey over the top for that sweet and spicy kick! You can also add optional toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds if you like.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls warm and enjoy every bite. They’re bursting with flavor and perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will give you a leaner dish. Just be aware that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a splash more soy sauce or a little extra oil while cooking to keep it moist.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level to your liking, or use a store-bought spicy honey if you want a shortcut!
Can I Meal Prep These Bowls?
Definitely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat each component individually before assembling your bowl.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef mixture and sweet potatoes separately on the stove or microwave until heated through. It’s best not to heat the greens, as they can wilt too much!
