These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls offer a tasty mix of spicy and sweet, with seasoned beef on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a quick meal that’s truly satisfying!
I love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy weeknight. Plus, you can add veggies or toppings that you like—it’s a fun way to clean out the fridge! 🥦🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a balanced dish without too much grease. If you prefer, turkey or chicken can also work. Just adjust cooking time as needed since they’re leaner.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even cauliflower could be a good substitute. Just cut into smaller pieces for even roasting!
Honey and Hot Sauce: This combo gives that hot honey flavor. You can substitute maple syrup for sweetness, and use any hot sauce you like. Just tweak the amounts based on your heat preference for a personal touch.
Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: I love cottage cheese for its creaminess, but ricotta works wonderfully, too! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt instead.
How Do I Get Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple, but it helps to know a few tips for that perfect texture! The trick is in cutting them evenly and using enough oil.
- Preheat your oven well. It should be hot when you put the potatoes in.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the oil; it’s key for crispy edges!
- Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flip halfway through to get all sides golden brown.
These steps will give you sweet potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—just perfect for your bowls!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking beef)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- Cooked rice or grains of choice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll need about 20-25 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes while you cook the beef, making it all come together quite smoothly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to flip them halfway through to ensure they get all nice and caramelized!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes!
3. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well so the beef is nicely seasoned.
4. Make It Sweet and Spicy:
In a small bowl, mix the honey and hot sauce together. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well for about 1-2 minutes until everything is coated and heated through. Adjust the honey or hot sauce according to your taste preference!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take cooked rice or your grain of choice and add a base layer in each bowl. On top of that, pile on the hot honey ground beef, then add the roasted sweet potatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Don’t forget a dollop of cottage cheese or ricotta!
6. Final Touches:
If you have any remaining hot honey sauce, drizzle it over the top, or add extra hot sauce for more kick. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your bowls immediately and enjoy this balance of heat and sweetness in every delightful bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute. Just be aware that it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness.
Can I Make These Bowls Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. Just season it similarly for great flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative! You can add sliced jalapeños for extra heat, corn for sweetness, or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. Lettuce or spinach can also add a refreshing crunch!
