These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of juicy ground beef and sweet, spicy honey sauce. Topped with colorful veggies, they look as good as they taste!
The sweet heat makes every bite exciting! I love serving these bowls over rice or noodles—it’s a fun dinner that’s ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The main protein in this dish, I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for its flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too. They’ll change the texture but keep it healthy!
Sweet Potatoes: They add natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have them, try butternut squash or regular potatoes. They can provide a different texture but still delicious!
Hot Honey: This ingredient gives a unique kick! If you can’t find hot honey, mixing regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a similar spicy-sweet effect. Adjust the spice to your liking!
Broccoli: I love broccoli for its crunch and nutrition, but feel free to use spinach or kale for a different taste and texture. Just sauté gently to keep those vibrant colors!
How Can I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple but requires some attention for best results. You want them tender and slightly caramelized for great flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Hot ovens help with caramelization.
- Dice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet; crowded pieces won’t roast well. Leave space between them.
- Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they are tender. Give them a shake halfway through for even cooking.
Remember, the more you let them caramelize, the sweeter and tastier they become! Enjoy the delicious aroma while they cook!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli or other greens (e.g., spinach or kale)
- ¼ cup hot honey (or honey mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook, making the total time around 45-50 minutes. While your sweet potatoes roast in the oven, you’ll prepare the delicious ground beef and greens. It’s a simple and satisfying dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take your diced sweet potatoes and place them in a bowl. Toss them with olive oil, and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Add Seasoning and Brown the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are well mixed and fragrant.
4. Prepare the Broccoli:
In another pot, steam or sauté your broccoli (or your chosen greens) for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still bright and vibrant. This adds a nice pop of color to your bowls!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
It’s the best part! Start by laying down a base of the delicious ground beef in a bowl. Then add the roasted sweet potatoes and top with the steamed broccoli. Finally, drizzle hot honey generously over the entire bowl for that perfect sweet and spicy touch!
6. Add Optional Toppings:
If you’d like, you can finish off your bowls with some sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture. Mix and match as you please!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls warm and enjoy a delightful meal that’s packed with flavor!
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 can be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a splash of broth or an extra dash of olive oil to maintain moisture while cooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or drizzling extra hot honey on top. You could also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking the beef!
Can I Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead! Dice the sweet potatoes and onions a day in advance, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the ground beef and veggies, then reheat when you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may want to drizzle a bit more hot honey on top when serving again for extra flavor!
