These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are tasty and fun! You get a wonderful mix of spiced beef, sweet honey, and fresh veggies all piled in a bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how easy they are to make on a busy night. Grab your favorite toppings, and it’s a win for everyone. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about that sweet and spicy combo! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I find that beef gives it a richer flavor, but using ground veggies for a vegetarian twist is nice too!
Olive Oil: This adds depth to your sautéing, but you can use any cooking oil you have on hand, like canola or avocado oil. I like avocado oil for its high smoke point and health benefits.
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star for sweetness. If you’re out, feel free to use regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a change in texture and flavor. Remember to adjust cooking time if using different vegetables.
Hot Honey: This ingredient is key for that sweet-heat combo. If you can’t find it, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper. It won’t be exactly the same but gives a similar vibe!
Fresh Greens: I recommend spinach or lettuce for freshness. You can vary this with kale or arugula too! They all offer different flavors and textures that pair nicely.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without It Becoming Greasy?
Cooking ground beef properly ensures your dish stays light and flavorful. Here’s how to keep it from becoming greasy:
- Choose lean ground beef (80/20 is a common choice).
- As you cook, break it apart well with a spoon. This helps it cook evenly.
- Drain excess fat after cooking before adding seasoning. This step is key!
- Season after draining to keep flavors light and bright without the heaviness of the fat.
Following these steps will lead to perfectly cooked, less greasy beef for your bowls!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowls:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups roasted sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups fresh greens (e.g., lettuce or spinach)
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making it quick and easy with a total time of about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your cubed sweet potatoes and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated. Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender and golden brown. Yum!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is nice and soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
3. Add Seasonings:
Now it’s time to increase the heat to high and add in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
4. Combine the Bowls:
In a large bowl, start layering your meal! Add the cooked ground beef first, then pile on the roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, and fresh greens. It’s starting to look great!
5. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Here comes the fun part! Drizzle hot honey generously over the top of each bowl. You can adjust how much you use based on how sweet and spicy you like it—go wild!
6. Serve:
If you’d like, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra touch of creaminess. Now, enjoy your spicy, sweet, and savory hot honey ground beef bowls. Dig in, and savor every delightful bite!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep in mind that different meats may require slight adjustments in cooking time and seasoning to achieve the best flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can mix honey with a dash of hot sauce for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, agave syrup or maple syrup combined with chili flakes can work as a sweet and spicy substitute!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep components in advance! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the ground beef ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls right before serving for the freshest taste!
