These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty treat! With juicy ground beef perfectly mixed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, every bite is full of flavor.
Serving this meal over rice or veggies makes it even better! I love how it warms you up and adds a little kick—just the right amount! 🌶️🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I always go for lean ground beef (like 80/20) to keep it flavorful without being too greasy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Hot Honey: This adds a sweet heat to the dish. If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or even some chili flakes for that kick. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Sweet Potatoes: These give the dish a nice sweetness and texture. Regular potatoes or squash can work, too, but sweet potatoes bring a lovely color and extra nutrients.
Broccoli or Greens: I love using broccoli for its crunch and color, but feel free to swap in spinach, kale, or any leafy greens depending on what you have on hand.
How Do I Perfectly Roast Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is straightforward but does require some attention to get them just right. To achieve that golden, crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Toss diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, and salt for flavor.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t too crowded to allow for proper roasting.
- Check and flip halfway through roasting, about 12-15 mins in, to ensure they brown evenly.
Roast for about 25-30 minutes total until they’re just tender and have crisp edges. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Greens:
- 2 cups broccoli or other greens (such as spinach or lettuce)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Additional hot honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. In that time, you’ll roast sweet potatoes, cook the beef, and steam your greens. Easy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, and salt. Make sure they’re evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
3. Combining and Preparing the Greens:
Once the beef is browned, drizzle the hot honey over the meat and stir well to coat everything. Then, remove the skillet from heat. In the last few minutes of roasting sweet potatoes, you can steam or sauté the broccoli or your choice of greens until they are just tender.
4. Assembling the Bowls:
Now it’s time to assemble your bowls! Start by placing a generous scoop of the hot honey ground beef in the bowl, then add a portion of roasted sweet potatoes and topped with steamed broccoli or greens. If you like, drizzle some additional hot honey on top, and sprinkle with sour cream and cilantro for extra flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls right away! They’re a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and satisfying. Happy eating!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. They might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. You might also want to adjust the seasonings slightly, as these meats can be more mild in flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili while cooking the ground beef. You can also drizzle more hot honey on top when serving for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can! Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving to regain some crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers. The beef, sweet potatoes, and greens can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm each component in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or oil to maintain moisture.
