These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors! You get juicy ground beef topped with a drizzle of hot honey, over a mound of fluffy rice or your favorite grains.
I love how easy these bowls are to whip up for dinner. Just cook the beef, pour on that sweet heat, and serve with delicious toppings. Dinner doesn’t get any better than this! 🌶️🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for a healthier option, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter substitute. Plant-based ground meat works great for a vegetarian meal too!
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and nutrients. If they’re not your thing, try using regular potatoes, carrots, or butternut squash as tasty alternatives.
Hot Honey: This ingredient adds a unique sweet heat. If you don’t have it, mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce for a similar effect, adjusting the spice level to your liking.
Greens: Broccoli is fantastic for nutrients and color, but you can switch it up with spinach, kale, or any leafy greens you enjoy! Frozen veggies can work too; just thaw and toss them in at the end.
How Can You Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their sweetness and makes them super tender. Here are some steps to ensure they come out just right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help achieve that nice caramelization!
- Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for about 1-inch pieces.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and spices like paprika for added flavor.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in one layer; overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of roasting!
- Don’t forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll get perfectly roasted sweet potatoes that enhance your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Components:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup broccoli or any preferred greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll need about 40 minutes to get these delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls ready to serve. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until they’re well coated. Spread the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and tender.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces while cooking. Keep cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes. If there’s any extra fat, drain it off.
3. Add the Greens:
When the beef is nearly done, toss in the broccoli or your chosen greens. Allow them to cook in the skillet for a few minutes, until they are just wilted. This should only take about 3-4 minutes. You want them to stay vibrant and slightly crunchy.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven, it’s time to put everything together! In serving bowls, divide the roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef mixture, and greens evenly. Drizzle the bowls with hot honey, adding more or less depending on how spicy you like it.
5. Add Final Touches:
For extra flavor and a fun texture, top your bowls with Greek yogurt or sour cream, sprinkle in some chopped green onions, and a few sesame seeds if you like. These touch-ups will make your dish extra special!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while it’s warm and enjoy the tasty, spicy kick of your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or veggie crumbles. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, particularly with leaner meats, which may cook faster.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you want more heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce along with the hot honey. You can also use a hotter variety of honey or swap out the regular paprika for smoked paprika for an additional kick!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the components separate (sweet potatoes, beef, and greens) to maintain texture. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale. Just ensure they are cut into even pieces for even cooking. You can sauté or roast them along with the sweet potatoes or add them to the skillet with the beef.
