These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are packed with flavor! Juicy ground beef gets a sweet and spicy kick from hot honey, making for a tasty mix that you’ll love.
I enjoy serving it over rice, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds. Just remember to have a glass of water handy! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, go for 90/10 or turkey. Both will still taste great, but may dry out a bit, so watch the cooking time.
Sweet Potato: This adds sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a faster cook, you can substitute with white potatoes or even quinoa for a lower-carb option. Just cut the cooking time as needed!
Hot Honey: It gives a unique flavor kick! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste. That way, you can customize the spice level.
Greens: Broccoli is my go-to, but feel free to use spinach or kale if you prefer. Each green brings its own touch—kale is heartier, while spinach wilts down nicely.
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness. To get them just right, follow these tips:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a good sear.
- Toss the diced sweet potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl for even coating.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer to promote even cooking.
- Flip them halfway through roasting to get consistent caramelization.
Keep an eye on them—they should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen while they cook!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 cups broccoli or other preferred greens (e.g., spinach, kale)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 40-45 minutes to make these delicious bowls. This includes 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking and roasting the sweet potatoes. It’s a straightforward process that results in a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they become tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes slightly translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet along with the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Prepare the Greens:
While the beef cooks, you can steam or blanch the broccoli (or your choice of greens). Simply cook them until they’re bright green and tender, around 3-5 minutes. This will add a nice color and texture to your bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and steamed greens among your serving bowls. Drizzle some hot honey over the top, giving a nice sweet and spicy kick.
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
If you like, finish off your bowls with optional toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh herbs, and lime wedges. Serve these bowls warm and enjoy a delicious meal that’s full of flavor!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary; for turkey or chicken, aim for a cooking time of about 5-7 minutes or until browned.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To customize the spice level, you can reduce the chili powder or add more, depending on your preference. For an extra kick, consider incorporating some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking the beef. If you want it milder, omitting the chili powder entirely will work too—just make sure to balance the flavors with additional spices!
What Should I Do with Leftover Bowls?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Note that the sweetness of the hot honey may intensify when reheated; you might want to add a touch more fresh herbs or lime for balance!
Can I Prepare Any Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the ground beef a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve. You can also chop your garlic, onion, and greens ahead to make assembly quicker!
