These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a fun and spicy dish that packs a punch! With juicy ground beef, a sweet honey kick, and colorful veggies, it’s a tasty meal in one bowl.
I love how easy they come together—just cook the beef, mix in the honey, and pile it all in a bowl with your favorite toppings. Who knew weeknight dinners could be so exciting? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef for its richness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tempeh or black beans work beautifully!
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and texture. If you don’t have them, butternut squash or regular potatoes can be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Hot Honey: Hot honey really boosts flavor and adds a spicy kick. If you don’t have it, you can easily make your own by combining regular honey with a bit of red pepper flakes. Or, simply use regular honey if you prefer a milder taste!
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for roasting sweet potatoes, but you can use avocado oil or coconut oil. Both work well and can bring a different flavor to your dish.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes can elevate their natural sweetness. To get them just right, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that perfect roasting temperature.
- Peel and dice your sweet potato into even pieces—this helps them cook uniformly.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding. Give them room to roast, not steam!
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have a nice caramelization on the edges.
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes add a delightful texture and sweetness to your bowls! Enjoy the process!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup broccoli, steamed
- 2 cups lettuce (e.g., romaine or mixed greens)
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes to cook everything, with the sweet potatoes roasting in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your diced sweet potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give them a good toss to make sure they’re all coated, then spread them out in an even layer. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until they are tender and caramelized.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Using a spatula, break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off.
3. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors together. It should smell delicious!
4. Steam the Broccoli:
In the meantime, steam your broccoli until it’s tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once it’s done, set it aside until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start with a generous layer of lettuce at the bottom of each bowl. Add a hearty scoop of the cooked ground beef on top, followed by the roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. It’s looking good already!
6. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Now for the fun part! Drizzle hot honey over the top of each bowl. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy or sweet you like it.
7. Add Optional Toppings:
Feel free to add any additional toppings that you enjoy, like a dollop of sour cream, some slices of avocado, or a wedge of lime for a zesty kick.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls right away and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just cook the meat until it’s no longer pink, similar to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Season them with the same spices for a similar flavor profile. This keeps the dish hearty while accommodating a plant-based diet!
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Roast them as instructed, then let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to assemble the bowls.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey and any toppings separate to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm the beef, sweet potatoes, and broccoli on the stove or microwave, and then assemble your bowl again!
