These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! You’ll love how the soft beef combines with warm rice and fresh veggies, creating a comforting meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of heat with a touch of sweetness? I always add extra veggies for a colorful twist. Plus, it’s quick to whip up—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe shines with ground beef, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you need a plant-based alternative, try lentils or crumbled tempeh for a protein-packed dish.
Hot Honey: Using hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick. If you don’t have any, mix plain honey with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes for a quick substitute. Just remember to adjust the heat level to your preference!
Sweet Potatoes: They bring natural sweetness and nutrition to the bowls. Yams or butternut squash work well if sweet potatoes aren’t available. If you want to lower carbs, steamed cauliflower could be a great alternative.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. You can use any other green veggie, like green beans, asparagus, or spinach. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender for the best texture.
How Do You Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple, but a few tips ensure they’re perfectly tender and crispy. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so the heat is just right for roasting.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking. Smaller cubes will roast faster and get crispier.
- Toss them in olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper before spreading them out on a baking sheet. Give them space to roast; overcrowding will steam them.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they brown on all sides. They should be tender with crispy edges when done!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Greens:
- 2 cups broccoli, steamed or sautéed
- Lettuce or baby greens for garnish
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, and additional hot honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 45 minutes. You’ll have delicious bowls ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a bowl and toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until they are well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, making sure to toss them halfway through so they get nice and crispy.
2. Cook the Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s well browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the hot honey and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Prepare the Broccoli and Assemble the Bowls:
Next, steam or sauté your broccoli in a separate pot until it’s bright green and tender. Now it’s time to assemble your bowls! In serving bowls, evenly divide the delicious ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Add a handful of lettuce or baby greens on top for a fresh touch. Drizzle some additional hot honey over everything and, if you like, sprinkle on some sour cream or sliced green onions for extra flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are now ready to be served warm! Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for leaner meats like turkey or chicken, which may require less cooking time.
What if I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! If you don’t have hot honey, you can easily make your own by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to taste. Start with a tablespoon of hot sauce per half cup of honey and adjust according to your desired heat level.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, tempeh, or a meat alternative of your choice. For added flavor, sauté the lentils with the garlic and spices before adding the hot honey.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm gently on the stove. If the sweet potatoes seem a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to moisten them.
